parties

First-Ever 'New Beginnings' Lunch Lauds Courage of Domestic-Abuse Survivors, Raises $300K

First-Ever 'New Beginnings' Lunch Lauds Courage of Domestic-Abuse Survivors, Raises $300K

Chairs Sarah Barrett, Jessica Leeke, Alexis Smith, Rachel Delaney

THE INAUGURAL NEW Beginnings lunch, hosted by and benefiting AVDA (Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse), raised nearly $300,000.

The Junior League of Houston ballroom was packed with guests who enjoyed signature cocktails like Empowerment Punch while they perused the silent auction. One coveted item was a piece of art designed and donated by Kimmie Gillespie, a survivor of domestic abuse.

Courtney Zavala emceed, ushering guests to their tables for a seated lunch and introducing speakers such as AVDA CEO Maisha Colter, who had all survivors or those who know a survivor to stand — driving home the pervasiveness of the issue and also helping to remove the stigma.

The lunch honored Stephanie von Stein Schusterman with the Ambassador of Advocacy title, and also featured best-selling author Janine Latus, who spoke on her personal experience with domestic violence.

Succulent Bar provided party favors in the form of a customized plant, signifying "New Beginnings."

Amy Dougherty, Veronica Griffin

Allison Fisher, Julia Stallcup

Stephanie von Stein Schusterman, Maisha Colter

Andi Minett, Courtney Paddock

Stephanie Tsuru, Katie Tsuru

Beth Wolff, Chreyl Byington, Marilu Garza, Leila Perrin, Sandra Porter, Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman

Jayne Johnston, Karen McCarthy, Kathleen Camp

Rees Anderson, Mario Gudmundsson

Lorna Klebe, Eileen Silverman, Silvia Max

Kimmie Gillespie, Clara Orlean

Mignon Gill, Kristen Cannon

From Your Site Articles
Related Articles Around the Web
Parties
promoted

Exclusive Furniture’s Sam Zavary Credits Luck, Hard Work and ‘Mom’s Prayers’ for His Success

Exclusive Furniture’s Sam Zavary Credits Luck, Hard Work and ‘Mom’s Prayers’ for His Success

How did you get to where you are today? I am a firm believer that hard work and having dreams that you strive to achieve will motivate and inspire people to achieve their potential. Working hard, dreaming, and making sure to take advantage of every opportunity is something I learned at a young age. I credit God and God’s grace firstly, but I know that success is a direct result of hard work. I tell my podcast subscribers and followers to continue setting goals, evolving, improving, and planning, and I practice what I preach. I am proud to have started my business in the fastest growing major city in the United States, and I attribute a lot of the success of Exclusive Furniture to the family culture we create in the best city — Houston’s diversity, philanthropy, and innovation have helped me achieve a lot of the milestones in the furniture business (and the “low prices”) you see today!

Keep Reading Show less
food

Triple-Digit Temps Scream for Ice Cream: Get the Scoop at These Chill Spots

Lemon gelato at Dolce Neve

WITH TEMPS NEARING the triple digits, we’re all screaming for ice cream! If you haven’t hit Houston’s many scrumptious ice-cream shops this summer, here’s the scoop on eight of the best.

Keep Reading Show less
Food
art

Parlor-Game-Inspired 'Hot Bod' Art Show at Quirky Montrose Bookshop Is the Perfect End to Summer

Artwork by May, Magallon and Carter

THE SUNLIT, COZY, 700-square-foot second floor of Basket Books and Art is the site of Hot Bod, one of the strangest and most intriguing exhibits currently on view in Houston.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment