Pink fashions, spectacular florals and a touch of Charlie’s Angels nostalgia set the scene for Memorial Hermann Foundation’s 17th annual Razzle Dazzle Luncheon, where more than 525 guests gathered at The Post Oak Hotel to celebrate unstoppable women and support a cause close to so many hearts!
The afternoon raised more than $1.23 million, an impressive increase over the previous year. Proceeds will support early breast cancer detection, community outreach and advanced diagnostic technology at Memorial Hermann, including the Bobetta C. Lindig Breast Care Center at Memorial City. The event’s impact also extends to making 1,000 mammograms available to women who might otherwise face barriers to screening.
This year’s honoree, Sheridan Williams, embodied that spirit. A beloved Houston philanthropist, longtime Memorial Hermann supporter, breast cancer survivor and former Foundation board member, Williams previously chaired the luncheon in 2024. Neeson and Tony Bradfield, president and CEO of Tenenbaum Jewelers and a Foundation board member, paid tribute to her generosity and remarkable ability to turn philanthropic vision into meaningful action.
Sheridan and John Eddie Williams, Jaclyn Smith
A sea of pink filled the ballroom, beautifully complemented by spectacular floral creations from No. 7 Event Design. Setting the tone for the afternoon, the Memorial High School Varsity Treble Choir opened with Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5,” a lively tribute to the late entertainer that introduced a program filled with music, meaningful stories and plenty of angelic references.
Luncheon chairs Amy Pierce, philanthropist and community volunteer; Vanessa Sutherland, executive vice president of Governmental Affairs at Phillips 66; and Elaine Turner, fashion designer and founder of Edit by Elaine Turner, made a memorable entrance with a playful nod to featured guest Jaclyn Smith, the original Charlie’s Angels star. Following their introduction by ABC13 emcee Samica Knight, the trio struck the series’ iconic Angels pose before sharing heartfelt remarks on the importance of community support, progress in the fight against breast cancer and the far-reaching impact of a diagnosis on families and friends.
Anne Neeson, Elaine Turner, Amy Pierce, Vanessa Sutherland
Anne Neeson, executive vice president and CEO of Memorial Hermann Foundation, reinforced the afternoon’s message, encouraging women to prioritize their health and schedule their mammograms. “Self-care is not selfish,” she reminded guests, offering a particularly poignant reason to make screening a priority: being present for the birthdays, graduations, family vacations and ordinary Tuesdays that make life extraordinary.
The luncheon’s “Unstoppable” theme was brought to life by Grammy-nominated singer Chelsea Cymone, whose moving performance of the hit song accompanied images celebrating past Razzle Dazzle chairs, honorees and special guests.
Bradfield also continued a popular luncheon tradition by sponsoring the champagne raffle, donating two $5,000 Tenenbaum Jewelers gift certificates as prizes, along with a $2,500 gift certificate for a drawing among guests who made a luncheon donation. Fashion enthusiasts had another reason to take note: Turner designed the limited-edition Bella Clutch in signature Razzle Dazzle pink, with proceeds from the handbag contributing to the fundraising total.
The afternoon’s highly anticipated finale featured a candid conversation between Smith and Lisa Trapani Shumate, CEO of MaximumQ. The Houston native and Lamar High School graduate reflected on her life, celebrated television career, family and personal experience with breast cancer, bringing warmth and humor to a conversation that was as personal as it was inspiring.
Smith spoke candidly about the importance of early detection, sharing, “Early detection is key. That is what I had and it gave me options.” She also encouraged women facing a diagnosis to bring someone they trust to medical appointments, emphasizing the value of having a second set of ears and a source of support through difficult moments.
Among the conversation’s most memorable takeaways was a favorite Oprah Winfrey quote Smith shared about friendship: “You want a girlfriend who will take the bus when the limousine breaks down.” The sentiment resonated as a reminder of the women who stand beside us through life’s most challenging chapters.
Reflecting on the extraordinary journey from her Houston beginnings to an iconic career, Smith offered one final piece of advice: “Enjoy every day because the ordinary is extraordinary.”
It was a fitting close to an afternoon celebrating the power of women, the friendships that sustain them and the importance of ensuring more women have access to the early detection and care that can save their lives. With a record-breaking $1.23 million raised, Razzle Dazzle once again proved that a little glamour can make a tremendous difference.
All photos courtesy of Priscilla Dickson and Daniel Ortiz.
