It was not your basic Sunday morning on November 1. We knew we had a fun lunch/brunch time ahead of us and we certainly did. At noon 250 virtual guests were up and rocking the house by dancing and singing along with Houston’s very own and Season 12 finalist of American Idol, Vincent Powell, in support of The Women’s Fund for Health Education and Resiliency. If that wasn’t enough to get guests at home excited and inspired by The Women’s Fund’s mission, the Rockin’ Resiliency luncheon was officially kicked off when partnerschools singers, Emma Fulton, Emilia Haymon and Bridget Gray joined Powell and performed “Count on Me.” The song was a tribute to the work The Women’s Fund provides to the Greater Houston community.
With support from Luncheon Chairs Christine and Steve Johnson, the lively event raised close to $180,000 while celebrating the thousands of women and girls that count on The Women’s Fund for health education information. Just an hour before the luncheon, The Women’s Fund hosted over 90 participates for an Educational Panel Discussion sponsored by Dr. Elizabeth Grimm, PHD. Led by Drs. Wanda Mott and Frene’ Lacour-Chestnut, Denise Bates, Chau Nguyen, and Centrell Reed, the discussion focused on the luncheon’s theme: “Your Voice Matters” and explored how women and girls of all ages can speak up and do something important with their thoughts, ideas and opinions, and be the change they wish to see in the world. The participants also received goodie bags sponsored by Veritex Community Bank.
Lead underwriters and participants were treated to a viewing boxed lunch sponsored by Katherine and Chris Gillman and curated by Phoenicia Specialty Foods. Delivery of lunch and a goodie bag with face mask and swag was made possible by delivery sponsor Kelsey-Seybold Clinic. Guests were able to dine on delicious salads and tasty treats while viewing this virtual event. had the option to choose from salads and tastey treats. For top donors, the brunch meal included a cheese and food tray along with wine and bubbles.
Emceed by KTRK-ABC 13’s Gina Gaston Elie, the luncheon continued to engage guests as they celebrated and snapped photos via the virtual photo booth sponsored by Allegiance Bank from the comfort of their homes. Houston City Council Member Sallie Alcorn made a surprise appearance and presented The Women’s Fund with a proclamation from the City of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner that proclaimed November 1, 2020, as Rockin’ Resiliency Day.
The Women’s Fund presented Edna Meyer-Nelson as the recipient of the Sue Trammel Whitfield Award for Resiliency Award.
The John P. McGovern Foundation “Champion in Women’s Health and Wellness” Award was presented to Kathleen Schmeler, M.D.
PlainsCapital Bank presented a lively interview with the face and voice of HEB Scott McClelland by Luncheon co-chair Steve Johnson of the famed Walton and Johnson Syndicated Radio Show. McClelland discussed the importance of building resilience now more than ever as he shared his values and resilience through personal stories and how he believes that the lessons learned from those experiences define him as an individual. He shared a particular personal story from his teenage years that made him realize he valued integrity and would never put himself in a situation that would challenge it.
From home, guests bid on an appealing array of silent auction items curated by auction chair Ghada Ali that included a five-night stay in a Durango vacation home, around town dining for a year, handbags, a family fun day package and a two-night stay at Darst Ranch Vineyards. The Baubles and Bubbles Jewelry Raffle for a chance to win a $3,500 gift card from Shaw’s Jewelry was a favorite among The Women’s Fund supporters as they sipped on bubbles sponsored by Jillian Nel and Inscription Capital. Rockin’ the gift card raffle for a dazzling piece of fine jewelry was Ashley Sere with the winning ticket. Hometown favorite, Powell returned with more entertainment and closed out the luncheon with an engaging 20-minute live chat.
Some Highlights of the Virtual Hour….
Rockin’ and supporting The Women’s Fund from the comfort of their homes included: Board of Directors Amy Pierce, Kathy Johnson, Martha Walton, Paulina McGrath, Shaunna Mason, Monica Fulton, Pat and Bo Sturdivant, Cheryl Byington, Jane and Dr. Dave Braden, Marilyn and Tom Sumner, Peggy and Craig England, Kathryn Tees, Nan and Jerry Brewer and Mary Beth Robinson. Lacy Dalcour with HEB, Julie Mitchell with the John P. McGovern Foundation.
Additional sponsors included: design and invitation sponsor Community Health Choice, musical entertainment sponsor Shelly Hendry, and media sponsors: At Home In Woodlands Heights, Bellaire Connect, CultureMap, D-Mars, Energy Corridor Living, Hot in Houston Now, Houston Modern Luxury, Key Magazine, My Red Glasses Lifestyle Blog, Que Onda! Magazine, River Oaks Living Magazine, Simply Spring Branch, Sunny 99.1 / iHeart Radio and Swoon Memorial.