Event Date: April 24, 2026
Event: Luncheon
Beneficiary: American Cancer Society
No. in attendance: 650
Monies raised: $650,000
Honorary Chairs: Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman and Dr. Sippi Khurana
Chairpersons: Shelley Boyer, Denise Monteleone and Gaye Lynn Zarrow
Honorees: Jana Arnoldy, Zane Carruth, Ellen Elam, Jennifer Fitts, Heidi Smith and Travis Torrence
Keynote Speaker: Brandi Sikes
Event Coordination: Francisco + Co.
Auctioneer: Johnny “Bravo” Holloway
Photography: Daniel Ortiz and Jacob Power
A Celebration of Strength, Survivorship and Hope all Wrapped in Pink at ACS 6th Tickled Pink Luncheon
Every conceivable shade of pink was on display at the 6th Annual Tickled Pink Luncheon, supporting the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving mission to end breast cancer. More than 650 supporters gathered in the Galleria area to enjoy the “sea of pink” and celebrate the $650,000 raised for this effort.
Proudly chairing this “rosy” luncheon were Shelley Boyer, Denise Monteleone, and Gaye Lynn Zarrow. Honorary Chairs Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman and Dr. Sippi Khurana were aglow with the crowd’s excitement. Leisa stated, “Tickled Pink is more than a luncheon—it’s a celebration of strength, survivorship, and hope.”
After enjoying the reception, where bottomless champagne flowed, raffle prizes, including two trips and other items, sold out quickly, and guests lined up for the beautiful Floral Wall “photo-op,” the ballroom doors opened, and everyone was welcomed by former Channel 2 news anchor Khambrel Marshall. He highlighted the American Cancer Society’s impact in the fight against cancer and asked those in the audience who were either cancer survivors or caregivers to stand. Almost everyone stood, underscoring the impact of cancer within our community and the determination of those standing to continue the fight against the disease.
The program continued with heartfelt remarks from Jenny Todd, V.P. of Greater Texas for ACS, and Chief Development Officer Darrow Zeidenstein. Jenny remarked, “American Cancer Society is the largest nonprofit funder of cancer research, including $82 million currently invested in breast cancer-specific research. Fourteen of those grants are right here in Houston, totaling more than $7 million.”
Honored for their community contributions were Jana Arnoldy, Zane Carruth, Ellen Elam, Jennifer Fitts, Heidi Smith, and Travis Torrence. After a sumptuous lunch, commercial real estate principal and survivor Brandi Sikes brought the audience to tears as she shared her inspiring breast cancer journey. Her story prompted a flurry of paddles raised for ACS donations. Auctioneer Johnny “Bravo” Holloway led the appeal and immediately “jumped” into raising money for “Phoenix Rising,” a specially crafted piece by jewelry designer Alexandra Essex, and created exclusively for the Tickled Pink Luncheon. A bidding war ensued, raising an additional $14,000!
During the festivities, ACS shared notable statistics. One was that the US breast cancer rate dropped by 44% from its 23-year peak between 1989 and 2022, translating to 518,000 lives saved. This decline is due primarily to the crucial dollars raised and the breakthroughs the American Cancer Society has funded. This annual event definitely keeps the American Cancer Society “in the pink!”
In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned): Chree Boydstun, Cheryl Byington, Tripp Carter, Nancy Dinerstein, Lesha Elsenbrook, Marilu Garza, Cyndy Garza Roberts, Maritza Gonzales, Stacey Lindseth, Julie Longoria Chen, Kelley Lubanko, Vicki Luna, Amanda Boffone, DeeDee Marsh, Patti Murphy, Roxann Neumann, Susan Osterberg, Sharon Owens, Roz Pactor, Sandra Porter, Karen Remington, Heidi Rockecharlie, Beth Wolff, Stuart Zarrow, Lee Boyer, Brady Carruth, Jenny Todd, Betty Hrncir, John Scott Arnoldy, Lindley Arnoldy, Courtney Freels, Robin and Danny Klaes, Leila Perrin, Cathy Brock
