A Tony Luncheon at the Legendary Tony’s Restaurant with a Tutor Touch
Legendary fundraiser, philanthropist, and community servant Betty Tutor hosted a luncheon to celebrate the Honorary Host Committee of the inaugural “Leaders & Legends Gala” benefiting The Mission of Yahweh. The diminutive Tutor, who has been a lifetime supporter of the Houston Symphony and many other organizations, used her lifetime of experience to inspire and energize the crowd of 50 influential women and men in the wine room at Tony’s. Chairs of the event, Samantha Kennedy and Saula Valente, with the beauty of the centerpieces and the delectable cuisine, created an ambiance that foretold excitement to come.
Inspired by the honorees for the evening event, the Carrabba family and Donna Vallone, and the heritage of Co-chair Valente, the luncheon foreshadowed the romantic Italian evening at the gala. With energetic speeches from the Chairs and an inspiring one from the Honorable Joanne King Herring, the result was an amazingly enthusiastic crowd. Added excitement came from the chef-curated menu, which included Insalata Treviso, Pappardelle al Limone and a decadent Italian Chocolate cake. A beautiful touch was the creation of centerpieces of white hydrangeas with Stars of Bethlehem to represent the innocence of the Mission children and the purity of unconditional love.
Executive Director of The Mission, Richard Hill, expressed his gratitude for the dedicated volunteers present, and I, as Honorary Chair of the gala, was excited to share my experience of The Mission and the great work that is done there to produce miracles every day.
Charmingly orchestrated by Kennedy and Valente, each Host Committee member left with a heart-shaped measuring spoon, together with a lavender sachet and exciting information concerning the beautiful Giving Tree full of surprises and experiences for the big board and live auction at the gala.
Tammie Jeffers, Development Director of The Mission, and event planner extraordinaire, Niki Smith of In Any Event were exceedingly successful in keeping the luncheon efficiently organized and timely.
Socially present (not previously mentioned): Kim Moody, Monica Hartland, Bianca Jolly, Lynette Davis, Rose Cullen, Charity Cox, Roz Pactor, Kathy Hill, Pam Sterlekar, The Hon. Susan S. Soussan, Scott Evans, Meredith Flatley, Beth Wolff, Cheryl Byington, Ann Ayre, Daniel Irion, Melissa Williams Murphy, Mady Kades, Dr. Lisa Graham Garza, Heidi Rockecharlie, Karen Payne, Yoon Smith
