Author: Amber Waska

The Children’s Assessment Center presents The 20th Annual Spirit of Spring Luncheon & Fashion Show

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Special Events Coordinator, Carlos Blandino – (713) 986-3564 or carlos.blandino@cac.hctx.net

On Thursday, April 25, 2019, at The Post Oak Hotel, The Children’s Assessment Center hosted the 20th Annual Spirit of Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show, led by Event Chairs Ericka Bagwell, Alicia Smith, and Phyllis Williams, and honoring Air Liquide. Guests celebrated the 20th anniversary of this community-favorite event with an afternoon of food, fashion, and fun, all for a great cause.

Upon arrival, guests were given the opportunity to purchase one of three levels of “Swag Bag”.  In honor of the keynote conversation with World Champion Aly Raisman, bags were titled “Bronze”, “Silver”, or “Gold”.  Items included in bags varied, but ranged from a night in a Bentley Bentayga V8 or a weekend in a Karma Revero to a copy of Aly’s book entitled Fierce: How Competing for Myself Changed Everything.  Additional donors and swag bag highlights: Laro, Bella Rinova, Lush, The Vintage Contessa, Lean Body, deBoulle.  The Jason Wu Collection, produced by Ursaline Hamilton and presented by Elizabeth Anthony, included a fashion presentation and special appearance by the designer.  World champion gymnast and Olympic gold medalist Aly Raisman followed during a special keynote conversation, and Gina Gaston of KTRK-TV, ABC 13, moderated the discussion. In sharing her story of survival and relating her journey, Aly educated attendees on child sexual abuse, and its lack of discrimination, and offered encouragement to others in their process of healing. Following the keynote conversation, auctioneer Stephen Lewis brought his A-game and gave bidders the opportunity to win very special live auction packages.  Icing on the cake was Jason Wu offering to take the winner of his incredible fashion week package, Brenda Jones, to dinner in New York to round out what will be an amazing experience this Fall. Wrapping up a truly fantastic program, RSM US LLP made a special appearance to award a check in support of The Children’s Assessment Center.

Immediately following the luncheon, the after-party was held at Elizabeth Anthony where the winner of the raffle for the Jason Wu dress was selected.   A special private dinner, hosted by Phyllis Williams, was later held at Tony’s, and guests included Jason Wu, Executive Director Elaine Stolte, Ursaline Hamilton, and a small additional group of lucky diners.

Almost $350,000 was raised during this event, which directly supports service programs offered by The CAC, such as forensic interviews, medical services, and therapy programs, all of which are critical to the hope and healing of young victims of sexual abuse.

Seen in the crowd: Lisa Holthouse, Laurel D’ Antoni, Brigitte Kalai, Carly Markesich, Svetlana Boginskaia, Judge Michael T. McSpadden, Glenda and Alicia Gordy, Kellie Weinzierl, Kelly Lubanko, Lauren  Randle, Phoebe Tudor, Marilynn Adame, Brandi Maxwell, Ileana Trevino, Susan Boggio, Anita Smith, and Anne Carl.