Spirit of Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show

14th Annual Spirit of Spring      

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The 14th Annual Spirit of Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show benefiting The Children's Assessment Center was held on Friday, April 5, 2013 at the Westin Galleria.  This annual event inspired over 450 guests in attendance to stand up for child victims of sexual abuse and help protect the children of our community.  The event raised over $350,000 for programs and services provided by The Children's Assessment Center. 

Outstanding event chairs Ursaline Hamilton, Stephanie Perkins and Megan Sutton-Reed planned a delightful afternoon for all in attendance.  Amazing luncheon committee members also contributing to the success of the event included Jill Schlenker, Alissa Maples, Bruce Padilla and Susan Plank. The fashions for this year’s show were provided by Saks Fifth Avenue. The runway was filled with splashes of vibrant color that left everyone ready to shop for spring’s hottest trends. 

The afternoon included a moving testimony from Erin Merryn, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse.  Ms. Merryn spoke about her own life experience and how she found hope and healing through her local advocacy center and stressed the importance of recognizing the signs and symptoms of sexual abuse in children.

Gina Gaston joined as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the day and Stephen Lewis served as the Auctioneer.  Stunning Sylva & Cie earrings donated by Paul Carter Jewels were auctioned, along with an Aspen Week-Long Escape donated by Stephanie and Bill Perkins.  The final Live Auction item drew much excitement from the luncheon crowd as guests bid on seats at dinner with Olympic Legend Michael Phelps. 

This year’s Premier Underwriter was Laura and John Arnold and Major Underwriter was Leslie Alexander and The Houston Rockets.  Special thanks also to Underwriters: CenterPoint Energy, Darla Lexington, Stephanie and Bill Perkins and The Sutton Foundation. 

CAC Foundation Board of Directors members in attendance included Mark Anderson, Paulette Arana, Susan Boggio, Brady Crosswell, Yolanda Green, Marta Mattox, Kim Moody, and Pily Simón.  Others present were CAC Executive Director Elaine Stolte, Ericka Bagwell, Diane Caplan, Amy M. Lee, Lucinda Loya, Elizabeth Petersen, Phyllis Williams, Merele Yarborough and Harris County District Attorney Mike Anderson. 

13th Annual Spirit of Spring

Beautiful Journeys

Diane Caplan, Elaine Stolte, Ashley Judd, and Nancy Golden

 

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The Children’s Assessment Center, Houston’s advocacy center that serves child victims of sexual abuse in Harris County, is honored to announce they have raised $275,000 at their 13^th Annual ‘Spirit of Spring’ Luncheon and Fashion Show, Beautiful Journeys, which took place April 4^th at the InterContinental Hotel.  The event is The CAC’s largest fundraiser of the year, and featured a reception beginning at 11:00 a.m., followed by a seated luncheon and fashion show at 12:00 p.m. conducted by Neiman Marcus-Galleria.  Ken Downing, Senior Vice President and Fashion Director for Neiman Marcus, showcased his spring forecast of fashions to 500 of Houston’s finest.  Attendees were also in for a treat as award-winning actress and humanitarian, Ashley Judd, joined the luncheon as special guest and speaker.

  

“We are so honored at the generous outpouring of support we have experienced during this year’s ‘Spirit of Spring’ event,” said Elaine Stolte, Executive Director of The Children’s Assessment Center. “Having Ken and Ashley at this year’s luncheon was a delight and gave us the opportunity to continue to create awareness about what it is that we do, ultimately allowing us to better serve child sexual abuse victims in our city.” Stolte goes on to say, “The Beautiful Journeys theme of this year’s event highlighted our commitment to the healing process, and shed light on the therapeutic services we provide to the children who visit The CAC.”

 

This year’s underwriters included: H-E-B, Neiman Marcus, The Fant Foundation, CenterPoint Energy, and Momentum Jaguar Land Rover Porsche, with Diane Caplan and Nancy Golden serving as chairwomen. Former CAC board member and 2012 honoree, Phyllis Williams, was also recognized for her outstanding service and dedication to The Children’s Assessment Center.  It was an inspirational afternoon and an overwhelming success for The CAC, raising incredible funds to help child victims of abuse.