The Women’s Fund “Rocks On” at their Annual Rockin’ Resiliency Luncheon

The Women’s Fund “Rocks On” at their Annual Rockin’ Resiliency Luncheon

Virtually, 250 guests were rockin’ in their respective homes as Houston’s own Vincent Powell—American Idol’s Season 12 finalist—entertained them for this annual gala benefiting The Women’s Fund for Health Education and Resiliency. The luncheon was officially kicked off when partner schools singers, Emma Fulton, Emilia Haymon and Bridget Gray joined Powell in performing “Count on Me.”

The luncheon, chaired by Christine and Steve Johnson, honored Edna Meyer-Nelson and Dr. Kathleen Schmeler and raised a whopping $180,000 for The Women’s Fund’s initiatives to provide health education information to thousands of women and girls.

Prior to the luncheon’s starting time, a panel discussion sponsored by Dr. Elizabeth Grimm, PhD focused on the luncheon’s theme─“Your Voice Matters”─exploring how women and girls of all ages can speak up and do something important with their thoughts, ideas and opinions, and can be the change they wish to see in the world. The insightful panelists were Dr. Wanda Mott, Dr. Frene’ Lacour-Chestnut, Denise Bates, Chau Nguyen, and Centrell Reed.

Sponsor Kelsey-Seybold Clinic was responsible for getting lunch and a goodie bag with face mask and swag to participants. For top donors, the brunch meal also included a cheese and food tray (along with wine and bubbles sponsored by Jillian Nel and Inscription Capital).

Newscaster Gina Gaston Elie was the engaging emcee for the luncheon and she welcomed surprise guest Houston City Council Member Sallie Alcorn, who presented The Women’s Fund with a mayoral proclamation proclaiming November 1, 2020, as Rockin’ Resiliency Day.

One of the afternoon program’s highlights was Houston’s HEB President Scott McClelland‘s interview by Co-Chair Steve Johnson of the famed Walton and Johnson syndicated radio show. McClelland discussed the importance of building resilience now more than ever as he shared personal stories illustrating his values and resilience and his belief that the lessons learned from those experiences define him as an individual.

The silent auction, chaired by Ghada Ali, had guests bidding from the luxury of their homes on an abundance of offerings including a five-night stay at a Durango vacation home, a restaurant package of around-town-dining for a year, luxury handbags, and a two-night stay and family fun-day package at Darst Ranch Vineyards. Ashley Sere won the raffle for a $3,500 “Baubles and Bubbles” gift card from Shaw’s Jewelry.

Virtually present: Amy Pierce, Kathy Johnson, Martha Walton, Paulina McGrath, Shaunna Mason, Monica Fulton, Pat and Bo Sturdivant, Cheryl Byington, Jane and Dr. Dave Braden, Jillian Nel, Morgan Webster, Ana Zelaya, Elliott Keymolen, Marilyn and Tom Sumner, Peggy and Craig England, Kathryn Tees, Nan and Jerry Brewer, Lori Freese, Mary Beth Robinson, Lacy Dalcour, Julie Mitchell, Holli Johnson, Maeleigh Riggle, Kaitlyn Pierce and Maria Suardo Perez.