Houston Hospice’s Butterfly Luncheon Spreads Its Wings, Raises $150K for Kids

Anthony Rathbun
Houston Hospice’s Butterfly Luncheon Spreads Its Wings, Raises $150K for Kids

Lisa Malosky, Kaye Lani Rae Rafko-Wilson and Aida Matic

THE 21ST BUTTERFLY Luncheon, benefiting Houston Hospice and its pediatric Butterfly Program, featured a moving testimony by Kaye Lani Rae Rafko-Wilson, a former Miss America and a hospice nurse.


Introduced by emcee Lisa Malosky, Rafko-Wilson took the mic at the Junior League of Houston, where more than 200 supporters gathered on a sunny Friday afternoon. She spoke about her experiences as a nurse, and what it was like starting a hospice care service in her hometown of Monroe, Mich. Her stories had the audience in tears, both from laughter and from crying.

The event garnered $150,000 that will go directly to the Houston Hospice Butterfly Program, which cares for children ages two to 18 who have life-limiting conditions.

Joyce Salhoot, Rana McClelland, and Al and Nancy Gatmaitan

Judy Bristol, Eileen Abu-Rish and Sally Lukatz

Sue White and Rose Cullen

Nyla Nahas and Medina Hassansie

Jill Johnson and Nancy Thurington

Linda Olvera and Ruthie McGilbert

Cheryl Sorenson and Cynthia McGowen

Meg Horne and Becky Nahas

Ann Becker, Kaye Lani Rae Rafko Wilson and Debra Kahn

Lisa Malosky

Parties
Fall Philanthropy Report: March of Dimes’ ‘Signature Chefs’ Event Coming in November

What year was your organization launched? 1938

What is your mission? March of Dimes was founded in 1938 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, to combat polio. The name “March of Dimes” was suggested by entertainer Eddie Cantor as a way to encourage people to donate even a small amount, like a dime, to help fight polio.

Keep Reading Show less

Jordyn Groover, Shelby Mayfield, Caitlin Core, Shanelle Shojaei

IT’S RODEO SEASON in Houston, and Kendra Scott is celebrating by opening a new concept store, Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott, deep in the heart of Texas. The shop — featuring a collection of furniture, accessories and clothing for the modern cowgirl — bowed in Heights Mercantile last week with a western-chic bash.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties

THE WEATHER IS changing, and soon, so will the time! Make the most of that extra hour of sun at Montrose’s Okto. This Mediterranean hotspot, located in Montrose Collective and part of Sof Hospitality — a group nominated for the prestigious 2025 James Beard Award in the competitive Outstanding Restaurateur category — is rolling out a new happy hour to enjoy on their urban-chic patio.

Keep Reading Show less
Food