Noche de las Americas Kick-off In Style at the Roberto Cavalli Boutique

Karina Barbieri welcoming the guests

While the kids go back to school it’s gala time for adults. Houston’s lavish galas and kick-off parties are back in full swing. A glamorous flock of people, mostly Hispanic, gathered at the gorgeous new Roberto Cavalli Boutique in the River Oaks District. The boutique showcased fabulous fall gala looks while friends of gala chairs Karina Barbieri and Carlos Barbieri shopped to support the Institute of Hispanic Culture of Houston.

The institute is a non profit organization founded in 1965 and the kick-off party was to mark the importance of its 51st Anniversary with the theme Discovery and Exploration. The organization’s signature fundraising event is the annual “Noche de las Americas” Gala, a tradition that celebrates the creation of the Hispanic world. This year’s gala will be held on Friday October 7, 2016, 6:30pm at the Junior League of Houston honoring Dr. Rima de Vallbona. The proceeds from the Gala are utilized to fund activities of the institute, including its cultural programs and scholarships.

Amongst the fashionably dressed clan supporting the kick-off were: Mady Kades, Jo and Jim Furr, Parissa Mohajer, Debbie Festari, Laurel Ross, Cyndy Garza Roberts, Maria Arrastia, Angel Woolsey, Wondy Weston, Adriana R. Calhoon, Michael Pearson, Peter Remington. For more information and gala tickets visit www.ihch.org/ or call 713-528-1492.

Photos by Roswitha Vogler and Coti Photography

Stefan Penunuri, Anthony Danzey, Carlos Sandoval, Kristina Sandoval

Ariana Smetana, Michael Pearson

Carlos, Karina Barbieri

Laurel Ross and Debbie Festari

Peter Remington, Cyndy Garza Roberts

Scene with Guests

Marylinda Avendano, Marianellys Noble