Women of Substance 2020 Celebrates the Many Outstanding Women of Houston and their Accomplishments

The always fabulously entertaining and glammed up 4th annual Women of Substance Luncheon, like so many charitable events this year, became a Virtual Presentation on November 6. Viewers heeded the cause to support The Mission of Yahweh, that has been sheltering homeless women and children for 59 years.  At last count, funds raised from the event are nearing $400,000 to provide Mission initiatives to empower, enrich and restore the lives of its residents.  

A prelude to the fundraiser started with Giddings producing photographs of the 2020 Women of Substance that are displayed in the windows of Neiman Marcus.  Honorees include: Lilly Andress, Donatella Benchenstein, Cathy Borlenghi, Donae Chramosta, Tracy Faulkner, Zina Garrison, Gina Gaston, Susan Arnoldy Hansen, Leela Krishnamurthy, Susan Soussan along withHonorary Chairs, Regina Rogers and Sybil Roos and Rose Cullen, the Lifetime of Substance award recipient.  

WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE 2020 HONOREES

RECIPIENT OF LIFETIME OF SUBSTANCE AWARD……ROSE CULLEN

Ernie Manouse, Deborah Duncan, Warner Roberts, Paul-David Van Atta, along with Luncheon Chair, Kristina Somerville served as emcees.  They congregated on Warner’s back porch to introduce the honorees and the special guest of the day, Kechi Okwuchi.  She was one of only two that survived a plane crash that took the lives of 107 passengers.  After 50 surgeries and two appearances on America’s Got Talent, today Okwuchi is celebrated not only for her glorious singing voice but for the optimistic message she shares with burn victims all over the world.  She was physically overcome when Van Atta presented her with the Spirit of Substance award, which is an angel glass sculpture by artist, Bill Meek. 

Janice McNair congratulated all the honorees in a brief appearance on behalf of The Houston Texans who were the presenting sponsor of the event and whose contribution will provide a new playground for the children at The Mission of Yahweh.

Honorees Celebrating with Friends all over our city….

Social distancing all over the city and many enjoying a sumptuous lunch delivered by Tony’s:  Alicia Smith, Kim Moody, Rachel Regan, Sylvia Forsythe, Jana Arnoldy, Lesha Elsenbrook, Denise Monteleone, Nancy Dinerstein, Betty Hrncir, Amy Pierce, Laura Davenport, Stephanie Perkins, Ursaline Hamilton, Roz Pactor, Kim Lucas, Ann Bookout, Jane Wise, Scott Evans, Pam Lockard, Gregg Harrison, Angie Roberts, Cliff Roberts, Vicki West, Joyce Standish Cam Canion, Anny Whyte, Leslye Weaver, Mary Maxey, Brittany Cassin. Stick Deleup, Carol Sharpe, Kathy Goossen, Charlene Dwyer and many others.

It’s never too late to donate to this very worthy cause, click here for Mission of Yahweh website and please congrats these amazing women in our city for all that they do! Congrats to Warner, Paul David, Christina and many others for a very enjoyable hour!