Event Date: May 17, 2022
Location: Tony’s
Event: Gala
No. of Attendees: 200
Money Raised: $205,000
Beneficiary: The Women’s Fund for Health Education & Resiliency
Sponsors: The Durdin Family and Parkway Family Chevrolet, Mazda and Kia (Wine Dinner), Plains Capital Bank (Entertainment) and David Peck (silent auction)
Board President: Jillian Nel
Speaker: Nelly Argueta-Solórzano, LMSW
Emcee: Deborah Duncan
Entertainment: Vincent Powell and The Houston Ensemble
Photography: Daniel Ortiz
The Women’s Fund for Health Education and Resiliency Hosts Its
7th Annual Wine Dinner
A four-course seated dinner prepared and served at Tony’s, one of Houston’s most renowned restaurants, was paired with fine wines, which helped The Women’s Fund for Health Education and Resiliency raise $205,000 at its recent 7th Annual Wine Dinner.
Two hundred guests were welcomed into the restaurant with soothing sounds of soft jazz by The Houston Ensemble, Chef Kate McLean’s tasty hors d’oeuvres and a hearty French Pinot Noir.
The emcee for the evening was Channel 11’s “Great Day Houston” host Deborah Duncan greeted supporters of this event and brought President of the Board Jillian Nel to the forefront, who thanked sponsors and highlighted The Women’s Fund programs that provide a safe haven for girls and women. Co-chairs The Durdin Family, Jean Durdin, Sharilyn and Gayle Lampson, Erin and Forbes Durdin, Granger Durdin and Heather Oglesby were recognized. The family and their entities Parkway Family Chevrolet, Mazda and Kia were also acknowledged as presenters of the dinner. Guest speaker Nelly Argueta-Solórzano, LMSW spoke eloquently about the power and impact of the work provided by the organization. Plains Capital Bank sponsored the evening’s entertainment, which was Houston’s own “American Idol Season 12” finalist Vincent Powell. Houston fashion designer David Peck sponsored the silent auction and provided 12 mystery bags curated with his merchandise and gift certificates that were available for purchase.
Chef McLean guided guests through the elaborate and delicious menu which included Long-Stem Roman Artichokes, Salt-Crusted Gulf Coast Snapper, Niman Ranch Short Ribs with Wild Mushroom Risotto and the dessert portion featured Bombe Glace.
Socially present (not previously mentioned): Joanna and Brad Marks, Jackie Macha and Brian Faulkner, Martha Walton, Jerry Hughes Jr. and Meghan Hughes, Mary Beth Robinson, Paulina and Jim McGrath, Roxann Neumann, Dr. Sean Blackwell, Andrea and Bruce Bryant, Philamena and Arthur Baird, Paula Sutton, Bill Gross, Peggy and Craig England, Tammy and Danny Schroeder, Monica Fulton, Kathy and Alex Johnson, Lisa Rogers, Katherine and Dr. Brian Parsley, Marilyn and Tom Sumner, Steve Alvis, Millie Stelzig and Katherine Gillman
