Dress for Success Toasts 25 Years with Record-Breaking Bash

IN ITS 25-YEAR existence, Dress for Success Houston has equipped and empowered more than 100,000 women and children — a milestone that was celebrated with a massive cocktail party at The Revaire.

A sell-out crowd of 550 attended the annual fall Rendezvous, chaired this year by Ellie Francisco and Trini Mendenhall. It honored the Pauline Altman Foundation for its commitment to furthering education of women through grants and scholarships, and also featured the voices and stories of DFS Houston clients: Eight women, made even more beautiful by stylists from DryBar and Sephora, shared their journeys and accomplishments onstage.

A delicious spread of savory bites was served up by some of Houston's best restaurants, including Arnaldo Richards' Picos, Daily Gather, Hamsa, Guard and Grace, Relish, CAPS Supperclub and more. And Kristine Mills Band provided the evening's soundtrack.

The amazing auction had people talking — and bidding! Items like trips to Spain and Vail brought in $100,000, and raffle-ticket sales garnered an additional $12,000, thanks to prizes like a Diamonds Direct tennis bracelet. In all, the evening raised a record-setting $850,000 for DFS Houston, which provides women in need with professional attire and development tools, as well as a network of support.

Eric and Allie Danziger

Trish Morille, Nancy Levicki

Gary and Rebekah Reaves

Nick and Carrie Fersen

Arthur and Philamena Baird

Jeff and Amanda Polich, Tammy Rogers, Krista Bortsell, Lauren Anderson and Chris Stanaway

Niloufar and Amir Molavi

Monica Richards de Osberg and Jason Osberg

Mia Gradney, Lauren Anderson

Philip Royalty, Trinidad Mendenhall, and Ellie and Michael Francisco