parties

Post-Derecho Luncheon Highlights Resilience of AVDA Supporters

Daniel Ortiz
Post-Derecho Luncheon Highlights Resilience of AVDA Supporters

Courtney Harmon, Mario Gudmundsson, Jennifer Caras

THE DAY AFTER that fateful May storm that brought hurricane-force winds into the city, AVDA's network showed up for the organization's second annual New Beginnings luncheon — an event designed to highlight the resilience of domestic-abuse survivors.

But the 215 guests who attended the lunch at The Post Oak Hotel brought even more meaning to the word "resilient," having overcome weather damage and widespread power outages to join the cause. Event chairs Jennifer Caras, Mario Gudmundsson and Courtney Harmon were thrilled with the turnout, as was AVDA CEO Maisha Colter, who shared that "this year was especially poignant since we moved forward despite one of Houston's most surprising weather events in a while! Our supporters showed up despite experiencing weather-related hardships, which speaks to their dedication to our cause."

The delectable menu included a taste of Mastro's famous butter cake, and the afternoon also brought an exciting raffle of high-end items like Miron Crosby boots and a Bentley weekend getaway. The inaugural Young Advocates Award was given to teen jewelry designer Sophie-Marie Ngu, who for years has raised funds for domestic violence awareness through her jewelry sales.

Colter also introduced the Ambassador of Advocacy Honoree, Maria Barrios, who shared her moving story about a domestic-violence incident that left her temporarily wheelchair-bound. Barrios is a new member of AVDA’s Board of Directors, and intends to continue to use her platform for advocacy.

Abby Alford, Carrie Colbert

Zac Harmon, Will Brown, Amanda and Steve Schnell

Anna Gryska, Victoria Villarreal, Sarika Patel

Young Advocate Sophie-Marie Ngu

Bob and Janis Frank

Sylvia and Mark Russell

Candace Thomas, Dr. Amanda Canto

Sylvia Akaweih, Nadia Akaweih, Ebony Jackson

Stephanie von Stein Schusterman, Maisha Colter, Maria Barrios, Jennifer Caras, Mario Gudmundsson, Courtney Harmon.jpg

Caroline Kenney, Angelica, Jeff Gremillion, Roslyn Bazelle Mitchell, Yelena Grinina

Sarah Koller, Sonia Soto

Meredith Milholland, Imani Guillory

Dana Barton, Susan Magee, Vanessa Ames, Kristen Collins

Kristen Cannon, Jayne Johnston

Sarah Koller, Sonia Soto

Gail Zaruba, Nini Hale

From Your Site Articles
Related Articles Around the Web
Parties
promoted

Leadership in Action: CEO Theresa Roemer Credits Mother, Mentors and Mindset for Accomplishments

Leadership in Action: CEO Theresa Roemer Credits Mother, Mentors and Mindset for Accomplishments

How did you get to where you are today? My journey to where I am today is built on a foundation of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Every step along the way, I faced obstacles, but I approached each one with determination and a “never give up” mindset. Instead of being discouraged by challenges, I used them as opportunities to grow and improve. Consistency was key—I committed to showing up and giving my best effort every day. I also learned not to take “no” as a final answer. Instead, I saw it as a chance to push harder, adapt, and find another way forward. It’s this combination of persistence, resilience, and unwavering focus that has brought me to where I am today.

Keep Reading Show less
parties

Randy Rogers, Wade Bowen and 'Dec My Room' Supporters Kick Up their Boots for Kids

Jessica and Ryan Getz, Grace Ward

HOUSTON NONPROFIT Dec My Room threw a country-music-filled bash at House of Blues, where supporters two-stepped the night away and raised record-breaking proceeds, which will be used to decorate and customize hospital rooms of pediatric and young-adult patients all over the country. To date, the organization has improved the attitudes and healing process of 18,000 patients in nearly 200 hospitals.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties
promoted

Timeless Appeal at The Village: Sophisticated Retirement Living

THE STANDARD BEARER FOR LUXURY

We built The Village communities to exemplify sophisticated retirement living in Houston, surrounded by the heritage neighborhood of River Oaks, Tanglewood and Southampton. Each offers impeccable designer finishes and Aspenwood service detail with dining and resortstyle amenities making them premier locations for discerning Houstonians and their families. Impressive, spacious residential floor plans, generous natural light, and expansive terraces allow a new level of indoor-outdoor living. Beautiful spaces are designed for entertaining, fitness, and relaxation with a dedicated team to provide a secure lock and leave lifestyle for our members.

Keep Reading Show less