Afternoon Tea with Duchess of York

A handful of very fashionable ladies in Gabriela Dror hats and fascinators gathered around the bar area sipping champagne at the elite Tony’s restaurant for Sarah, Duchess of York. Upon her arrival guests were escorted to a private room for a sit down afternoon tea with the royal. Sarah, Duchess of York, embraced each and every member of the crowd for personal photographs, hugs and the most compassionate stories of her own personal journey changing the lives of children around the world.

This was a special afternoon to celebrate the British afternoon tea tradition in honor of the Duchess benefiting Virtuosi of Houston presented by Houston’s royal restaurant couple, Tony and Donna Vallone, who graciously welcomed the international guests. It was a true delight as attendees got an exclusive tête-à-tête with Sarah Ferguson. Extremely funny and down to earth Sarah left the audience literally laughing out loud. She also shared with LCAHouston International Society News her passion for charity that focuses on children around the world. She also said that she has been to India and Kolkata several times and was deeply in love with the city. “When I see a child smile, its true, it brings joy to me, and it is with generous people like Donae, hosting this lovely event to raise money for children. Well done everyone who is here supporting this great cause,” she shared.

Guests in bright colored dresses and equally bright eyes were mesmerized by the enchanting words of Sarah. Hostess for the afternoon Donae and Bella Cangelosi Chramosta gifted the Duchess with a commemorative Houston Texas Hermes Scarf from The Vintage Contessa and Vintage Contessa & Princessa Childrens book.

Amongst the royal guests were: Zarine Boyce, Rob Chramosta, Victoria Christian, Deborah Duncan, George Foreman IV, Staci Henderson with her daughter Jade Duyen Huynh, Rosemarie Johnson, Mandy Kao, Alicia Maguire Smith, Diane Caplan, Lisa Powers, Dena Winkler, and Maha Rashed Khan.