Emily Peterson
The models were selected not only for their contributions in their field, but also for the ways in which they connect with their community. The beautiful ladies strutting their stuff included surgeons Tamara Saunders, Christy Moeller, Victoria Chang, Kelly Bree, Mara Antonoff, Kristy Hamilton, Sanaz Harirchian and Abigail Rodriguez; cardiologists Tim Pham and Brit Owen; anethesiologists Emily Peterson and Tiffany Su; family medicine practitioners Gabrielle Lyon and Monica Kalra; healthcare strategists Paola Alvarez-Malo and Alex Colver Brock; gastroenterologist Chami Amaratungee; gynecologic oncologist Anne Busisiwe Alaniz; researcher Livia Schiavinato Eberlin; and philanthropist and CEO Jessica Hatch Farrokhza.
Tootsies’ creative director Fady Armanious hand selected outfits for each of the models, and the crowd applauded and cheered them on as they took to the catwalk.
“Through medicine, art, creativity and community, we impact physicians’ and patients’ lives,” said Arts of Healing executive director Kristen Collins, who coordinates other events including a fall art show and gala, and a summer art camp for pediatric cancer patients. “We specifically design outlets and events for creativity and connection for the physicians, as well as patients.”
Alexis Rosales, Nadia Hafeez, Jasmine Gallo
Whitney Lawson, Carson Brown, Casey Adams
Brittany Chamber, Amber Shelvin, Lisa Joubert
Tina Maddox and Rebecca Zhou
Amy and Christen Springs
Mandy Breckbill and Rachele Goetz
Danielle Antosh, Katie Bolt
Lauren Haire, Jen Grigsby
Christy Moeller
Kristy Hamilton
Kristen Collins and Fady Armanious
Jessica Hatch Farrokhza and Brookelyn Barton Avila
Monica Patel, Brittany Owen, Shaden Khalaf
Tamara Saunders
Tiffany Su
Isaac and Lori Raijman
Jacy Cooper, Ashlee Rubbo
Ede Booth, Laurie Dykoski, Tammy Saunders, Brittany Allen
Robert Clay, Dana Barton, Bobbie Nau and Tony Bradfield
Some “350 guests marveled at intricate French-inspired centerpieces featuring roses of varying colors and candelabras,” said a Symphony rep of the black-tie affair. “Upon arrival, guests mingled while admiring a variety of outstanding wines and spirits part of the silent auction and grazed on light bites including duck cigars, pimento cheese gougères and arancini.”
After guests were seated, a starter of Ora King Salmon with satsuma and parsnip was presented, followed by a rich ravioli filled with short rib, red onion and fig. Filet mignon with pommes puree, creamed spinach and a topping of sauce chasseur was the main course. For dessert: pavlova with strawberry, Chantilly cream and lemon curd.
The sold-out event, chaired by Nancy and Bryan Ruez, with help from wine auction chair was Jack Matzer, raised more than $850,000 for Houston Symphony’s education and community-engagement initiatives, per the company. VIP guests included Jesse Tutor, Bobbie Nau, Margaret Alkek Williams, Hallie Vanderhider, Bobby Dees, Vicki West, Ralph Burch, Daniel Irion, Kirk Kveton, Elia Gabbanelli, Robert Sakowitz, Lesha and Tom Elsenbrook, Jacquie Baly and James Craig.
Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees
Margaret Alkek Williams and John Mangum
Aerin and Quentin Smith
Ann and Jonathan Ayre
Chairs Nancy and Bryan Ruez
Elia and Michael Gabbanelli
Elizabeth Colombowala, Valerie Dieterich, Ann Ayre, Rachel Ellsworth
Kirk Kveton and Daniel Irion
Eric and Lisa Lindsey