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
Chapman & Kirby Launches Free Concert Series for Spring

Danny Ray and the Atlantic Street Band performs May 31 (photo from dannyrayatlanticstreetband.com)

CHAPMAN & KIRBY, THE premier event destination in Houston’s East Village, is thrilled to announce the launch of its Spring Music Series, kicking off on Friday, April 12. Chapman & Kirby has become synonymous with top-tier events and unforgettable experiences, many attended by celebrities both local and worldwide. With concert ticket prices soaring to hundreds and even thousands of dollars in the last year, this eight-week music series promises to be a welcomed opportunity to engage with live music for free, showcasing an eclectic lineup of talented acts.

Keep Reading Show less

ONE OF THE many amazing things about William Shakespeare is how well his comedies and tragedies communicate when reimagined in contemporary settings. Shakespeare’s language may be highfalutin, but the Bard always had his ear to the street — and always gave audiences a healthy dose of grand guignol (i.e. blood and more blood) along with the poetry.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment

Serial entrepreneur and spa visionary LeBrina Jackson

NESTLED IN THE heart of France, the town of Vichy holds a rich history in the world of wellness and hydrotherapy. Acquiring fame for their alkaline springs in the 17th century, the Romans were among the first to recognize the therapeutic benefits of the springs. They established a French spa known as “Vichy,” which still exists today and continues to attract spa-goers from around the world to experience the transformative effects of hydrotherapy.

Keep Reading Show less