Event Date: November 6, 2020
Location: Various homes
Event: Virtual Luncheon
Money Raised: $400,000
Beneficiary: The Mission of Yahweh
Honorary Chairs: Regina Rogers, Sybil Roos and Rose Cullen
Chairperson: Kristina Somerville
Honorees: Lilly Andress, Donatella Benckenstein, Cathy Borlenghi, Donae Chramosta, Tracy Faulkner, Zina Garrison, Gina Gaston Elie, Susan Arnoldy Hansen, Leela Krishnamurthy and Susan Soussan
Entertainment: Kechi Okwuchi
Photography: Courtesy of The Mission of Yahweh; Quy Tran
The Wonderful World of the Women of Substance Was Virtually Wonderful Indeed!
For almost six decades, The Mission of Yahweh has sheltered and provided food and many other services for homeless women and children. Their fourth annual Women of Substance Luncheon turned into a Virtual Presentation this year and much-needed funds raised from the event are nearing $400,000 to provide Mission initiatives to empower, enrich and restore the lives of its residents.
This yearly event began with renown photographer Gittings producing photographs of the 2020 Women of Substance that are currently displayed in the windows of Neiman Marcus.
Ernie Manouse, Deborah Duncan, Special Advisor Warner Roberts, Creator and Event Coordinator Paul-David Van Atta, along with Luncheon Chair Kristina Somerville served as emcees. They congregated on Roberts’ back porch to introduce the honorees and the special guest of the day as well as “Spirit of Substance” award recipient Kechi Okwuchi. She was one of only two that survived a plane crash that took the lives of 107 passengers. After fifty surgeries and two appearances on America’s Got Talent, today Okwuchi is celebrated not only for her glorious singing voice but for the optimistic message she shares with burn victims all over the world.
Receiving applause as 2020 Women of Substance are: Lilly Andress, Donatella Benckenstein, Cathy Borlenghi, Donae Chramosta, Tracy Faulkner, Zina Garrison, Gina Gaston Elie, Susan Arnoldy Hansen, Leela Krishnamurthy, Susan Soussan along with Honorary Chairs Regina Rogers, Sybil Roos and Rose Cullen, the “Lifetime of Substance” award recipient.
Presenting Sponsor and Houston Texans owner Janice McNair congratulated all the honorees via video and their contribution will provide a new playground for the children at The Mission of Yahweh. Houston Texans football player and hometown hero is gifting a pair of his newly released tennis shoes (for women as of right now) to the families of the Mission for every pair ordered. Visit this link at JJ Watt Tennis Shoe to support The Mission of Yahweh to make a purchase and show your support.
Applause all around for one of the most beautifully presented virtual events to which many have been witness. Receiving rave reviews for the professionalism of the production were Anabelle Roman and Jose Igartua of Karana Audiovisual Services.
Socially distancing and virtually present all over the city as well as enjoying a sumptuous lunch delivered by Tony’s: Alicia Smith, Kim Moody, Rachel Regan, Sylvia Forsythe, Jana Arnoldy, Lesha Elsenbrook, Denise Monteleone, Nancy Dinerstein, Betty Hrncir, Amy Pierce, Laura Davenport, Stephanie Perkins, Ursaline Hamilton, Roz Pactor, Ann Bookout, Jane Wise, Pam Lockard, Angie Roberts, Cliff Roberts, Vicki West, Joyce Standish, Cam Canion, Mary Maxey, Brittany Cassin, Stick Delaup, Carol Sharpe, Kathy Goossen, Charlene Dwyer and many others.
