Daisy Mendoza, Maritza Gonzales and Vicky Dominguez
After they sipped and shopped, the 850-plus guests filed into the ballroom for the main event — the group’s 30th-anniversary celebration. Johanna Terry Events’ emerald-hued décor and florals were a beautiful nod to the milestone.
The fashion show was presented on a massive Y-shaped runway by Saks Fifth Avenue. Produced by Lenny Matuszewski and Tamara Bonar, it starred Houston firefighters among the models. Argentine-born Puerto Rican actor and TV host Julián Gil made a surprise appearance on the runway, too!
The ritzy raffle included items like a fabulous diamond tennis necklace from Zadok Jewelers, which contributed to the more than $500,000 raised that afternoon. Net proceeds will benefit Justice Forward, Rebuilding Together Houston, Segundo Barrio, El Centro de Corazon, and Naba Shoes for Kids.
After the program, the festivities continued with dancing to the music from Grupo Kache — and a tequila toast, of course.
April Ramirez Fabre and Julie Garza
Hasina Starks, Heidi Turney, April Ramirez Fabre, Lisset Garza, Jovanny Orellana, Jujlian Gil, Naimeh Salem, Julie Garza
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Jovanny Orellana and Julian Gil walking down runway
Fashion Show Presented by Saks
Lisset Garza, Chree Boydston, Mauricio Serrano, Rosi Hernandez
Vicki Luna, Horacio Lerma
Josie Doubet, Cathryn Martinez and Alex de Aguilar Reuter
Cyndy Garza Roberts and Edward Sanchez
Lucia and Michael Cordua
Alejandra and Edgar Rincon. Patty and Karl Schmidt
The Wish Ball was this year themed The Hero Within, and the ballroom of The Post Oak Hotel was transformed with “galactic, hero-inspired florals” on each table. The night included a surprise appearance by Batman, who pulled into the valet in the Batmobile, much to the delight of “Wish Kid” Adonis, who wished to meet the character in real life.
There were also raffles, pulls and auctions: A beautiful ring from Kim Chau & Co. was raffled off, and guests purchased surprise bags of spirits and jewels. During the live auction and paddles-up portion of the evening, many supported Aria, whose wish to plant 1,000 trees was completed in the ballroom during the event by granting the last 100 trees. A live-painted canvas by Edgar Medina and a mini poodle puppy were popular, too.
Shelly Millwee, President and CEO, said, “What an extraordinary and magical night for Make-A-Wish. The generous funds raised from our event will help grant many wishes and bring joy and hope to more local children facing unimaginable illnesses. We appreciate all our supporters who helped make this evening a tremendous success.”
Adonis Braithwaite with Batman
Tony and Laurie Nevotti, Sarah and Hunter Nevotti
Alix and Miguel Ramos
Amanda, Jason and Franklin Ingalls
Ashley and Jonathan Sloan
Taft and Dana McWhorter
Shelly Millwee and Dan Milwit
Courtney and Jason Jennaro
Dan and Beth Bellow, Mandy Williams, Jason Jennaro, Shelly and Jake Millwee, Stephanie and Dan Milwit
Jennifer and Brian Rayburn
Olivia Loupe, Madeline Varga, Maggie Roark