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

Wellness Pro LeBrina Jackson on Gratitude at the Holidays: It’s a ‘Reset Button for my Mind’

Wellness Pro LeBrina Jackson on Gratitude at the Holidays: It’s a ‘Reset Button for my Mind’

LeBrina Jackson

AS WE GET into the holiday season, we’re reminded of what we have, what we want and what might be lacking. As Sheryl Crow says in her song, Soak up the Sun, “It’s not having what you want, it’s wanting what you've got.” We caught up with LeBrina Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, Texas, and learned how she tackles the holiday season with hope, love and most importantly, gratitude.

Keep Reading Show less
parties

At Posh Tony’s Fete, Baly’s New Doctorate and Life of Service Honored

Alejandro Olivares

Gayla Gardner, Jacquie Baly and Julie Baker Finck

THE DOCTOR IS in! One of Houston’s most engaged civic leaders, Jacquie Baly, has a new title after earning her Doctorate in Education and Organizational Change & Leadership from USC. And some of the city’s heavy hitters turned up for a swanky reception at Tony’s to congratulate her. “Education and community leadership go hand in hand,” said Dr. Baly. “This honor fuels my continued mission to create meaningful change.”

And they weren’t alone in their admiration. Both the City of Houston and the State of Texas declared the day of the to-do “Dr. Jacquie Baly Day,” complete with official proclamations.

Keep Reading Show less
Style+Culture

Spring into the Season with These Fun Events (That Don't Involve Rodeo Crowds)

Houston Arboretum

WE ALL LOVE a Rodeo, but sometimes we need options for events that have a different energy, speed — and crowd size. Check out some artsy, unique happenings around Houston in March!

Keep Reading Show less