A “Pearly” Twenty Years for Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Reflections on Style Luncheon Which Raised Record Amount

A “Pearly” Twenty Years for Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Reflections on Style Luncheon Which Raised Record Amount

How many events have you attended that raised over $1 million? Only a few, right? Now, how many luncheons have you attended that raised that amount? I would say almost none. It’s so rare! The 20th Annual Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary “Reflections on Style” Luncheon, Runway Show and Chic Boutique not only raised that total but exceeded it by over $160,000. This remarkable achievement was made possible by the years of experience, passion, and dedication of Luncheon Co-Chairs Lilly Andress and Ann Bookout. Their tireless efforts and commitment to the cause are truly commendable.

Twenty years ago, the first chairman of this event, Michelle Bain, joined forces with the original group of volunteers, and all embarked on a journey that would shape the future of the luncheon. Their vision and leadership set the stage for a beloved annual tradition. In a fitting tribute to her inaugural helming of the luncheon, where she affectionally dubbed her group of friends “Girls with Pearls,” the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary themed the event the same name this year. This was their way of saying thank you to Michelle for her years of hard work and unwavering allegiance to the cause.

The event’s concept is not only refreshingly simple but also incredibly unique! It involves the donation of fashions and accessories from some of Houston’s most stylish closets, which are then beautifully presented in a luncheon and fashion show. This kicks off a four-hour shopping extravaganza at the prestigious River Oaks Country Club, where attendees can enjoy the show and shop in the exclusive Chic Boutique. The demand for tickets was so high that they sold out in a record-breaking five minutes, a testament to the event’s popularity and success.

The committee spends almost an entire year gathering donations of ladies’ gently used clothing, shoes, accessories, handbags, and costume jewelry from well known designers such as Valentino, Akris, Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, Naeem Khan as well as many mid-range treasures from Tory Burch, Trina Turk, Alice and Oliva. The donations are beautifully handled and made boutique-ready. Famed Houston fashion runway producers Lenny Matuszewski and partner Tamara Bonar choose the clothes for the presentation and create what has only been described as the “Fashion Show of the Year” by many!

The Chic Boutique, Co-Chaired by Amanda Gelb and Louise Chehlaoui, occurs before and for an hour after the luncheon ends.  The Boutique is then moved off-site to a specific location. This year, the property owner donated the Acme Oyster House (now closed) on Lower Westheimer (formerly the Tower Theater) to house the Chic Boutique Showroom for the next three days. Co-chaired by Gayle Eury and Stick Delaup, the landmark space was open to the public for shopping. Their mantra for this event was “Come find some more treasured pearls at the Acme Oyster House!”

One of the most heartwarming aspects of this four-day extravaganza is that some of the women who generously donate their fashion items also buy them back to support the organization’s overall volunteer mission. These dedicated volunteers, who are all “pearls” in their own right, can take pride in the fact that their efforts have not only contributed to the success of the event but also to the extraordinary amount raised for this exceptional organization!

In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned):  Ann Ayre, Dorothy Nicholson, Gwen Smith, Cherie Lindley, Vicki West, Lorne Bain, Debby Leighton, Cathy Cleary, Lynn Wyatt, Rose Cullen, Linda McReynolds, Phoebe Tudor, Elise Joseph, Jill Deutser, Chris Kase, Judy Chong, Mary Maxey, Maureen Higdon, Ginger Blanton, Thurmon Andress, Hannah McNair, Jane and Jim Wise and Susan Binney