Pediatric Cancer Survivors Strut Their Stuff on the Runway at River Oaks Country Club

Pediatric Cancer Survivors Strut Their Stuff on the Runway at River Oaks Country Club

Ginger Blanton with 'Patient Champion' Nova (photo courtesy Texas Children's)

THE 13TH ANNUAL Salute to Champions event, held at River Oaks Country Club, celebrated the bravery and vitality of pediatric cancer survivors, a poignant way to mark Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Chaired by Scott Basinger, Elsie Eckert, Sidney Faust and Judi McGee, the luncheon and fashion show raised nearly a quarter of a million dollars for Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Center. Fox 26 reporter Melissa Wilson — who's also a mom of a pediatric cancer survivor — enthusiastically emceed the event, announcing the "Patient Champions," or models, as they walked the runway in sassy and chic fashions courtesy of Dillards. Each was accompanied by a "Community Champion," a notable Houstonian who has donated their time and money to the cause.

The 300 guests, including physicians and families of models, enjoyed a seasonally savory meal of pecan-crusted chicken and maple-mashed sweet potatoes — and chocolate mousse parfaits for dessert. Sweet!

Susan Blaney, Paige Schultz, Lara Shekerdemian and Jennifer Sanders (photo courtesy Texas Children's)

Cathey Cook, Honorary Chair Sybil Roos and Betsy Garlington

Judi McGee, Susan Blaney and Rossitsa Nocolava (photo courtesy Texas Children's)

Kelly Larkin and Fernando Parra with 'Patient Champion' Tatiana (photo courtesy Texas Children's)

Clarease Rankin Yates and Gayla Gardner (photo courtesy Texas Children's)

Dominique Armstrong, Fite Partsch, Scott Basinger, Marge Lindquist, Tina Faust and Peter Farrell (photo courtesy Texas Children's)

James Versalovic with 'Patient Champion' Michael (photo courtesy Texas Children's)

Duyen and Marc Nguyen with 'Patient Champion' Anthony (photo courtesy Texas Children's)

Gayla Gardner, Vicki West and Cheryl Byington (photo courtesy Texas Children's)

Parties
Golden Hour at The Marigold Club: A Decadent Escape

THERE'S A MOMENT just before dusk when everything turns to gold—the light softens, the world slows, and indulgence feels not just necessary, but deserved. Welcome to Golden Hour at The Marigold Club, where opulence meets effortless charm and your midweek unwind turns into an exquisite ritual.

Keep Reading Show less

Debbie Festari, Ann Carl, Alicia Smith and Edward Sanchez (photo by Jacob Power)

A FABULOUSLY FASHIONABLE crowd of more than 650 turned up at the American Cancer Society’s annual Tickled Pink luncheon at the Post Oak Hotel. All wearing pink, because of course, they came to raise money for breast cancer research, and also to support some of Houston’s most generous and beloved ladies — chair Sippi Khurana and honorary chairs Leisa Holland-Nelson-Bowman, Donna Lewis, and Beth Wolff.

Keep Reading Show less
Wellness+Giving Back

AHH, A TRIP to the spa. What are you thinking about now? Therapeutic aromas, relaxing music, inventive hydration... The Thompson Houston's new spa has it all, plus absolutely stellar views from its sixth-floor perch overlooking the greenest swaths of Buffalo Bayou Park.

Keep Reading Show less
Style