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

Burlesque Dancer Lady AnnaBelle performs at The Burly Soirée (Photo by Striking Designs)

THIS SUNDAY, DEC. 17, Houston’s premiere and perhaps most unique burlesque troupe The Divine Darlings presents a special Ho Ho Holiday edition of The Burly Soirée at 8th Wonder Distillery.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment

Alecia Lawyer, ROCO Founder, and Jamie Bernstein

A SPECIAL GUEST attended Houston-based chamber orchestra ROCO’s annual holiday gathering. Jamie Bernstein, the daughter of composer Leonard Bernstein, attended the festive evening, which coincided with the release of the talked-about movie Maestro, starring Bradley Cooper as Leonard. (Cooper just received a Golden Globe nom for the role.)

Keep Reading Show less
Parties