Inaugural Roman Holiday Fashion Show Luncheon raises $130,000, benefiting the ICCC’s scholarship program

While we are all locked down right now, here’s a story about an event that took place when life was normal. Hopes and prayers that we all quickly and safely get back to normal and beat this virus…

Ciao Italia! What better way to celebrate the old world charm of Italy than the Roman Holiday Fashion Show & Luncheon to support the Italian Cultural & Community Center. On Thursday, March 12, more than 250 guests gathered at The Junior League of Houston for the inaugural event and helped raise more than $130,000, benefiting the ICCC’s scholarship program.

Guests were treated to a courtyard cocktail mixer and serenaded by Romolo Bianco from Amalfi Ristorante. An amazing raffle was held with prizes that included stays in Italy and Carmel, CA, a one-night stay at the Four Seasons along with tickets to the Houston Grand Opera, a stunning Buccellati bracelet from Tenenbaum, and other items from Tootsies, Cotton Club, Events Gifts, Neiman Marcus, and Saks.

The luncheon opened with brief remarks by Chairs Roz Pactor and Terrie Hogan Turner, who then welcomed Erika Myers, Executive Director of the Italian Cultural Community Center. She read a letter from the Consul General of Italy thanking the crowd for their support, and then presented a short inspirational video on Italy. Krista Page, a University of Houston student of Moores Opera Center, performed a short aria. The highlight of the luncheon was the fun and energetic fashion show produced by the talented Jeanne Ruberti. Designers Elizabeth Anthony, Festari for Men, and Alice d’Italia provided the outfits for the event, as celebrity Houston models strutted their stuff. Models included Philamena Baird, Donae Chramosta, Monica Ercolani, Giorgio Floridia, Joyce Frassanito, Sam Governale, Mary Ann Hebrank, Renee Jongebloed, Gina Leck, Phyllis Mandola, Tony Mandola, Michael Patronella, Peter Remington, Tina Silvestri and Dennis Wright.

Notable guests included Monica Ercolani; Tina and Dan Silvestri; Gina Leck; Chaille Strake; Cathy Brock; Janet Gurwitch; Stacey Swift; Cindy Soefer; Christina Stith; Sandra Porter; Regina Garcia; Christine Sabatini; Karen Degeurin; Lisa Holthouse, Mary Ann Yamin; Rosie Carrabba; Sandra Harris; Sam Governale; Elsie Eckert; Karen Mayell; Katy Mayell Ellis; Julie Roberts; Debbie and Rudy Festari; Leisa Holland-Nelson, Mauri Oliver, Sandra Porter, Joan Cohen; Crystin Pactor.