ZaZa Lunch Promises to 'Make a Difference' for Houston's East End

Daniel Ortiz
ZaZa Lunch Promises to 'Make a Difference' for Houston's East End

Barbara Van Postman, Phyllis Williams, Leisa Holland Nelson Bowman and Donna Chapman

THE HOTEL ZAZA ballroom hosted 250 generous supporters for the annual Making a Difference luncheon benefiting El Centro de Corazón.


Event chairs Kelli Cohen Fein and Barbara Van Postman, along with honorary chairs Leisa Holland Nelson Bowman and Leila Perrin, threw a great party for the nonprofit, which provides comprehensive healthcare services to low-income residents of Houston’s East End. El Centro sees more than 12,000 patients — most of whom live below the federal poverty level and are uninsured — each year.

Emcee Cyndy Garza Roberts kept the energy levels high as honorees Halliburton Charitable Foundation and the Honorable Ed Emmett and Gwen Emmett were announced. And El Centro CEO Marcie Mir gave remarks noting the recent passing of El Centro founder Mary Jo May, who was committed to providing accessible, affordable healthcare to those in need.

An interesting conversation between physicians Esmaeil Porsa and James McCarthy discussed how Covid changed healthcare, and the opportunities it created, too.

The event raised more than $161,000 for El Centro.

Anne Neeson and Hallie Vanderhider

Sippi Khurana and Rosemary Schatzman

Chelsea Collmer and Laurie Sanders

Lisa Gochman and Maggie Glaser

Rosemary Schatzman, Marilu Garza, Barbara Van Postman and Donna Chapman

Cyndy Garza Roberts and Gloria Zenteno

Cynthia Wolff and Beth Wolff

Diana Barrero-Burgos, Laura Jaramillo

Elizabeth Stein, Bill Baldwin and Denise Monteleone

Scott and Jennifer Allison

Parties
Leadership in Action: ‘Setting Clear Goals’ Among Secrets of Success for Attorney Jess Bailey

How did you get to where you are today? A few key principles integrated into my life: setting clear goals, maintaining a growth mindset, building strong habits, and surrounding myself with the right people. Goals provided direction, while a growth mindset helped me turn challenges into opportunities for learning. Consistent habits, like disciplined work and effective communication, kept me moving forward. Being surrounded by motivated, supportive individuals has elevated my standards and kept me accountable. They’ve provided advice, encouragement, and sometimes that extra push I needed to stay on track. With these elements, I’ve been able to create a framework that helps me succeed and ensures I continue to grow and evolve.

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places

Lilith's Lullaby cocktail (photo by Angie Cavazos)

TO QUOTE THE wee one in Poltergeist: “They’re baaaaack!” Houston’s beloved gothic and girl-powered pop-up The Cursed Cauldron returns Friday, Oct. 4 to Aero Cocktail Co. in River Oaks. The new Aero Cocktail Co. will host the pop-up Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 4pm-12am, and Sundays 2pm-10pm. To help contribute to the spooky (and fun) vibe, visitors are invited to “don their magical attire;” kohl eyeliner and black nail polish are strongly recommended.

Keep Reading Show less
Food

A Page Parkes model during the fashion show

HOUSTON CITYBOOK’S INFAMOUS “Sexy Party,” presented by Indigo Auto Group in celebration of the magazine’s annual “Sexy Issue,” drew a fun crowd to EaDo’s Chapman & Kirby bar and event space.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties