‘Houston Sweethearts’ Gather at Saks, Raise a Glass to Serving to Others

“SAKS FIFTH AVENUE was awash in red and pink as guests arrived for the 12th Annual Houston Sweetheart Tea on Monday to celebrate seven outstanding ‘Houston Sweethearts’ who share much of their time, expertise and ‘heart’ in community service,” said the premier Houston Sweetheart, Warner Roberts, one of the hostesses of the event. Her fellow hostesses Sylvia Forsythe, Deborah Duncan, Alicia Smith, Kim Moody and Anne Carl welcomed almost 100 guests, who sipped wine and Champagne and noshed on beautiful delight bites “with very little tea in sight,” Roberts laughed.

The purpose of the Valentine’s-season event is unique and simple — “to provide an informal setting whereby guests can tell each other how much they are appreciated and loved for the work they do to improve the lives of other,” said Roberts. Funds are also raised for The Mission of Yahweh homeless shelter.

Honorees this year included Maria Moncada Alaoui, Nini Hale, Melissa Murphy, Saula Valente, Beth Wolff, Leticia Trauber and Laura Ward. Saks’ new GM Heidi Parkhurst, who earlier in her career was the assistant store manager before being reassigned to San Antonio, was also on hand.

Other guests at the event, which has become a who’s-who, included Sidney Faust, Cheryl Byington, Scott Evans, Lilly Andress, Ursaline Hamilton, Jacquie Baly-Craig, Trish Morille, Lara Bell, Kim Padgett, Sherri Zucker, Vicki West and Roz Pactor.

Cheryl Byington, Elsie Eckert, Mady Kades

Omar Alaoui and honoree Maria Moncada Alaoui

Warner Roberts, Barbara Biel, Angie Roberts

Cindy Bendy, Alicia Smith, Lisa Baldon

Tammie Anne Johnson, Leila Perrin, Gayla Gardner

Sylvia Forsythe, Saks GM Heidi Parkhurst, Alicia Smith, Kim Moody, Warner Roberts, Deborah Duncan

Cindy Bendy, Kim Moody

Kim Padgett, Dr. Susan Osterberg, Cheryl Byington