A Sold Out Mission of Yahweh Gala Was Filled with Leaders & Legends and a Lot of Love for an “Italian Dolcevita” Evening

A Sold Out Mission of Yahweh Gala Was Filled with Leaders & Legends and a Lot of Love for an “Italian Dolcevita” Evening by Warner Roberts

With guests greeted in the foyer of the River Oaks Country Club by strains of the Strake Jesuit and St. Agnes Chamber Orchestra, the excitement was palpable at the Inaugural Leaders & Legends gala on September 20, benefiting The Mission of Yahweh. The Chairs, Samantha Kennedy, Managing Director, Private Bank – Bank of America, and Saula Valente of SymplySaula and CEO of Il Paridiso Farm, an exclusive venue, have both devoted many years of service to The Mission by serving on the Board and the Advisory Board. I was privileged to serve as Honorary Chair. As a long-time supporter of The Mission, I first coined the name Leaders & Legends years ago, first in magazine articles and later for Mission of Yahweh awards.

Created by Valente’s, SymplySaula, in collaboration with Plants ‘N Petals and Teresa Southwell, the “Italian Dolcevita” evening simulated an authentic Italian veranda, enhanced with real olive trees and fresh Autumn flowers replete with wheat, lemons, grapes and pears. The Italian theme continued with the dinner menu, wine pairings and the perfect finishing touch of Panna Cotta.

Superstar of Channel 11’s Great Day Houston, Deborah Duncan, welcomed guests and invited Reverend Mary Gracely to the stage to give the invocation. Duncan then proceeded to introduce the honorees of the evening, the Carrabba family and Donna Vallone, who have long been Houston leaders and legends. Johnny Carrabba spoke about his gratitude for all his family, friends, and the whole community that has made his success possible. Rose Carrabba, always a crowd favorite, praised her family and deferred telling any of her many “stories.” Donna Vallone lovingly recalled all the lessons learned from her late husband, Tony, concerning their beloved restaurant, Tony’s. She took the opportunity to thank all those who have supported her on her current journey and throughout all the years.

A poignant moment occurred for me when, having been invited to the stage to speak a few words, a standing ovation from the audience occurred to applaud my devotion to The Mission and the community. This was an overwhelming and memorable moment for me!

Imagine the surprise when one who seemed to be a waiter in the middle of the ballroom began to sing in a great operatic voice. Then, suddenly, he was joined by another singer and then a third. The Three Waiters, a professional vocal group with over 14,000 performances in 90 countries and winner of 14 International Awards, appeared and serenaded the audience primarily in Italian. What a moment!

Niki Smith of In Any Event and her professional team received kudos for orchestrating and implementing the impeccable timing of segments in the evening.

Another highlight was the always energetic performance by auctioneer Johnny “Bravo” Holloway. Paddles Up and Live Auction items slip easily into the show biz format when in the competent hands of Bravo, who is part auctioneer and part accomplished actor/dancer/comedian. His humor and heart greatly added to the bottom line for The Mission, which is currently $600,000, with additional contributions being counted.

The Mission of Yahweh is a faith-based shelter that empowers, enriches and restores the lives of homeless women and children. Since 1961, the goal of The Mission has been to restore hope, transform lives and end homelessness. The doors of this unique refuge are always open for women in crisis.

Socially present (not previously mentioned):  Regina Rogers, Rosanette Cullen, Kathy and Richard Hill, the Honorable Susan S. Soussan and Henri Soussan, Larry Martin, Nichole and Benny Agosto, Brigitte Kalai, Kim and Dan Moody, Pam and Ron Sterlekar, Betty Tutor, Sidney Faust, Cora Sue Mach, Janelle and Greg Reid, Anne Ayre, Angie and Cliff Roberts, Beth Wolff, Cathy and Giorgio Borlenghi, Joan Schnitzer, Linda McReynolds, Tony Gracely, Lynnette and Jared Davis, Adrienne Crane, Scott Evans, Betty Hrncir, Margaret Barradas, Catherine Anspon, Diane Gendel, Judge Meg Poissant, Heidi Rockecharlie, Dr. Susan Osterberg, Ellen and Clayton Cody, Nancy Strohmer, Mady Kades, Blanca Jolly, Sybil Roos, Eva and Paul Aruffo, Rini Ziegler, Ambassador Eduardo Aguirre, Cheryl Byington, Francesca Harrison, Senator John Whitmire, Charity and Wally Cox, Chris Kase, Ray Rogers, Rusty Hardin, Don Sanders