Houston Snapshots

A “Tony” Wine Dinner Brought Out A “Tony” Crowd for The Women’s Fund

Event Date:  June 9, 2021
Location:  Tony’s Restaurant
Event:  Gala
No. of Attendees:  130+
Money Raised:  $135,000+
Beneficiary:  The Women’s Fund for Health, Education & Resiliency
Chairpersons:  Joanna and Brad Marks
Photography:  Michelle Watson

A “Tony” Wine Dinner Brought Out A “Tony” Crowd for The Women’s Fund

 

For the sixth year, The Women’s Fund held its annual “tony” event to a packed, hungry, excited, and resilient restaurant crowd of more than 130 sponsors and supporters. Five of the six years, the culinary delights of Tony’s restaurant were only part of the delightful evening. Chairpersons Brad Marks, owner of IW Marks Jewelers, and his wife Joanna, combined their considerable gifts and influence, along with a group of generous benefactors, to raise more than $135,000 which will ensure Houston-area women and girls have free access to tools they need to be advocates for their health through classes, workshops, lectures, and publications focused on physical, mental, financial, emotional, health, and wellness.

The evening’s program began with Brad and Joanna Marks welcoming guests and sponsors, which included Kroger, IW Marks Jewelers, and the Petersen Family Trust. They received a standing ovation for helping make an impact in the lives of Houston-area women and girls. Kathy Johnson, President of the Board of Trustees, highlighted the accomplishments of The Women’s Fund’s years of service. Houston restaurateur Donna Vallone gleefully guided guests through the exquisite four-course dinner paired with some of the world’s finest wines.

Sponsored by Plains Capital Bank, Houston’s own “American Idol Season 12” finalist Vincent Powell along with Houston Ensemble Band performed entertainment for the seated dinner.

Rousing raffle prizes, provided by IW Marks, were a choice of a stylish Tudor Men’s Watch or a stunning women’s necklace, and a pair of black onyx earrings. The two winners included Hannah McNair, who walked away with the watch, and businessman Paul Somerville was thrilled when he won the onyx earrings for his beautiful wife.

Not to be outdone, renowned Houston fashion designer and sponsor of the silent auction David Peck, selected and coordinated luxury items such as a two-night stay at Margaritaville Lake Resort, an MCM branded bag, Houston Texans game tickets, a champagne luncheon at Tony’s, and 12 David Peck mystery bags filled with merchandise and gift certificates.

Socially present:  Meghan and Jerry Hughes, Jr., Mary Beth Robinson, Amy, and Rob Pierce, Martha Walton, Philamena and Arthur Baird, Lisa Chandler, Jillian and Keith Nel, Julie and Stephen Chen, Alexandra and Robert Ochoa, Aletha and Jeff Harris, Kathy and Alex Johnson, Hannah and Cal McNair, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Marilyn and Tom Sumner, Jane and David Braden, MD, Peggy and Craig England, Jackie Macha and Brian Faulkner, Cheryl Byington, Nancy and Paul Darst, Deborah and Mark Grayson, Charlie Hartland, Katherine and Brian Parsley, MD, Linda and Curtis Rhodes. Jr., Mary and Mark Troth, Beth and Cynthia Wolff, Lynne and Joe Hudson, Paulina and Jim McGrath, Hallie Vanderhider, Alan and Elizabeth Stein, Nan and Jerry Brewer, Kristina and Paul Somerville, and Pat and Bo Sturdivant

Restaurant Poll Img

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