How ‘Sweet’ It Is: Women Honored at Saks’ Valentine’s Tea

How ‘Sweet’ It Is: Women Honored at Saks’ Valentine’s Tea

Christine Johnson and Jody Merritt

A LOVELY AND truly heart-felt tradition continued, when Saks Fifth Avenue and its 5115 restaurant hosted the 14th annual Houston Sweethearts tea.


“Creators Anne Carl, Deborah Duncan, Sylvia Forsythe, Kim Moody, Warner Roberts and Alicia Smith welcomed over 100 guests,” said a rep for the event’s organizers, noting that the function is held each year around Valentine’s Day “simply to tell each other that they are loved and appreciated for all the time, energy, creativity and heart-felt love they give in service to the community.”

This year’s Sweethearts honorees include Lesha Elsenbrook, Tena Faust, Marilu Garza, Tama Lundquist, Elizabeth Stein and Heidi Turney. Other VIP guests included Sidney Faust, Phoebe Tudor, Hallie Vanderhider, Bobby Dees, Brigitte Kalai, Beth Wolff, Cheryl Byington, Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman, Ellie Francisco, Kim Padgett, Sherri Zucker, Brittany Zucker, Kirk Kveton and Anna Dean.

The annual tea raises awareness for the Mission of Yahweh, a shelter for homeless women and children.

Tena Faust

Brigitte Kalai, Anne Carl and Alicia Smith

Sandra Porter, Marilu Garza, Leila Perrin and Charity Yarborough Cox

Heidi Rockecharlie and Alice Mao Brams

Deborah Duncan and Beth Wolff

Party People
Leadership in Action: Clothiers Murry and Karen Penner Celebrate Family Business’ 50-Year Anny

Murry & Karen Penner, Owners, M PENNER

How did you get where you are today? We’ve stayed true to the vision of the store’s founder, Morris Penner, who relentlessly sought out unique product, with exceptional quality being a key element. Morris always used to say, “The fastest way to lose a customer is to bore him” and we agree. A percentage of every season’s budget is allocated to something new and unique. While product is key, it’s not enough. Having an excellent staff and discipline in business practices is also critical.

Keep Reading Show less

JUST IN TIME for the Lunar New Year on Wednesday, Jinya Ramen is opening its 70th (!) location in Pearland. Known for its thick, rich broth and flavorful noodles — thanks to the specialized water used to prepare its broth and the aging process its noodles undergo — Jinya also touts a wide array of authentic toppings, from tender pork chashu to shrimp wonton.

Keep Reading Show less

Duck N Bao's bento boxes are part of Dine Out Rice Village

HOUSTON'S EVER-GENEROUS restaurant scene is already at it in 2025. Here are three ways foodies can dig in, raise a glass, and support important causes in January.

Keep Reading Show less
Food