Event Date: October 14, 2025
Event: Luncheon
Location: River Oaks Country Club
Beneficiary: Italian Cultural & Community Center (ICCC)
No. in attendance: 300
Monies raised: $205,000
Honorary Chair: Rosanette Cullen
Chairpersons: Cheryl Arolfo Byington and Franelle Rogers
Honoree: Franco Valobra
Emcee: Owen Conflenti
Fashion Presentation: Elizabeth Anthony
Event Coordination: Francisco + Co
Photography: Daniel Ortiz
A “Saluta” to All Things Italian at the Annual Italian Cultural & Community Center Luncheon
Trecento persone felici (three hundred happy people) were treated to a buongiorno at River Oaks Country Club as they gathered for the annual Italian Cultural & Community Center (ICCC) Luncheon and Fashion Show. This year’s luncheon was themed Saluti di Torino and was chaired by the admired team of Cheryl Arolfo Byington and Franelle Rogers. Taking bows as Honorary Chair was Rosanette Cullen, the benefactor of many charitable causes. Honored for his community work was Italian businessman Franco Valobra.
The festa began with an Italian performance of “Anema e Core” and “Roma nun fa’ la stupida stasera,” sung by Miguel Delabarca and Maria Daniela. Channel 2’s Owen Conflenti, another popular Italian in Houston, once again served as Master of Ceremonies. He introduced Italian Consul General Mauro Lorenzini and ICCC Executive Director Erika Myers, who both gave welcoming remarks, and emphasized that the event’s proceeds of more than $205,000 will provide scholarships for study abroad programs for students enrolled in Bachelor’s or Master’s programs.
Following the sumptuous lunch, Soprano Alexa Stracener and Concert Pianist Lucrezia Slomp entertained the crowd. Excitement rose as popular fashion store Elizabeth Anthony took the stage and showcased Italian designer Fabiana Filippi and her Spring 2026 collection down the runway.
It definitely was an all-Italian afternoon, as cuisine, fashions, a silent auction, wines and a raffle gave a salute and nods to the ever-popular southern European country and its cities known worldwide! Congratulazioni!
In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned): Honorable Joanne King Herring, Rose Cullen, Nancy Strohmer, Carol Sawyer, Sidney Faust, Ann Ayre, Lu Caltagirone, Gina Leck, Patti Murphy, Simone Piga, Debbie Festari, Karen Remington, Joy McCormack, Robert Sakowitz, Regina Rogers, Heidi Turney, Saula Valente, Blanca Jolly, Lesha Elsenbrook, Denise Monteleone, Tina and Dan Silvestri, Rosalie Gusemano, Sandra Celli Harris, Joyce Frassanito, Andrea and Marcus and Frank Spagnoletti, Mignon Gill, Gina and Dr. Devinder Bhatia, Joella and Steve Mach, Laurie Krohn, Constable Alan Rosen, Odilia Conflenti, Roz Pactor, Vicki Rizzo, Deborah Aspromonte Simon, Julie Roberts, Julie Mastroianni, Francesca Ferro Harrison
