Sharon Torres, Elia Gabbanelli and Maritza Gonzales at ‘Latin.'
Ernest Hunter at ‘JDRF.’
Tena Faust, Sue Smith, Tama Lundquist
Chairs Jacquie Baly, Beth Wolff and Cynthia Wolff — along with honorary chair, breast-cancer survivor Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman — hosted a pretty, pink-ified program that included a keynote address by physician Arif Kamal, the chief patient officer for the ACS, and a standing ovation for Houston women who have made a philanthropic impact, particularly in the cancer space.
A sold-out raffle and sale of bottomless Champagne glasses contributed to the afternoon’s total till of nearly $400,000. Way to think pink!
Paulina Padilla, Christy Lynn, Courtney Harmon, Marilyn Bailey
Patrice Hagans, Teresa McClelland-Thomas, Annie Thomas, Natalie Robinson
Bobbie Nau and Ellie Francisco
Betty Hrncir, Judi McGee, Elsie Eckert, Saula Valente, Heidi Turney
Patty Murphy and Cheryl Byington
Courtney Zavala, Kate Robinson, Roz Pactor, Paulina Padilla
Cythia Wolff and Jacquie Baly
Diane Nicolaou, Shelley Boyer, Lisa Mary Martin
Roslyn Bazzelle
Hollie Kleitz, Cynthia Wolff, Rose Mackercher
Jenny Todd, Nora Jarrad, Whitney Lawson
Melissa Reihle, Beth Muecke
Stephanie Tsuru, Lisa Graham-Garza
Tiffany Halik, Karen Remington, Lesha Elsenbrook
Colleen Walker, Scott McClelland, Judy Tate
For its 45th annual gala, Communities In Schools (CIS) of Houston threw a fun and funky Alice in Wonderland-themed bash at the Post Oak Hotel. Chaired by Lauren and John Brollier and Cassie and John Milam — with honorary chairs Kirby and Scott McCool and Judy and Charles Tate — the evening kicked off with a “Drink Me” cocktail reception complete with Queen of Hearts red roses.
The 600 guests filtered into the beautiful ballroom, welcomed by emcee Lisa Malosky. After an invocation by Chapelwood’s Rev. Wick Stuckey and remarks from CIS’s Judy Tate and Rey Saldana, a video celebrating the organization’s 45 years was shown. A group of students and school staff also spoke at the gala aout ho CIS has impacted their lives. CIS places at least one full-time student-support specialist — who offers counseling, academic support and health and human services — on the campus of more than 160 schools across Houston.
Dinner was delicious (braised short ribs, grilled shrimp, a fun “Eat Me” dessert!) and energized the crowd to move onto the dancefloor. Houston go-to Klockwork had galagoers dancing the night away.
Ann and Hughes Milam
Ben and Lacey Melancon
Brian Williard, Rachel Gower, Michael Broderick, Allison Gower, Lauren Dougherty
Carmen and Chris Golden
John and Cassie Milam and Lauren and John Brollier
Katie Decker, Lisa and Evan Lee
Katrina and J.C. Clemens
Leigh-Anne McQuitty, Lacey Dalcour-Salas
Michele McClinton, Matt Garcia-Prats, Joni Hine
Martha Barrera and Natalia Araujo