Valentino Hosts Intimate Fábrica de Milagros Fundraiser

Houston’s first-ever Valentino boutique made its Galleria debut in March, and let’s just say that its initial sales proceeds benefited more than just good taste.

LCAHouston 2021 International Mother’s Day Soirée Honoree Milka Waterland partnered with the luxury brand along with the Spanish damsel Elia Gabbanelli, to raise funds for charity very close to her heart: Fábrica de Milagros.

Milka Waterland, Founder of Fábrica de Milagros

The boutique’s grand opening doubled as a chic fundraiser for Waterland’s nonprofit organization, which exists to support underserved orphanages in the Dominican Republic. Every dollar received by Fábrica de Milagros goes toward food donations, new appliances, school supplies, beds, clothing and more.

The nonprofit’s namesake, Milagros Sanchez, was a humble community servant in her Dominican hometown and devoted mother to Waterland and her younger brother. At 51, Sanchez lost her brief and horrific battle with cancer, leaving the Waterland family devastated. Following a bold move to Houston a few years later, Waterland rededicated her life to her mother’s lifelong dream of supporting disadvantaged children. Fàbrica de Milagros’ mission is to support Dominican children in need and reestablish their health, safety, and academic studies.

“From day one I have felt God’s guidance in this project and I know that my dear mom is very happy to know that today her dream can be read under her own name,” shares Waterland.

Milka is very passionate in serving her community, and she is part of diverse groups through which she helps and supports many different social organizations. She is a wife and a proud mother.

Guests arrived at Valentino sporting their best spring attire, and the season’s latest pieces were on full display for the fashionable shoppers. Each party-goer received a beautiful floral bouquet and a warm welcome from friends. The event raised $22,000, as 10 percent of the evening’s sales went directly to Fábrica de Milagros.

Spotted in the crowd: Milka Waterland, Elia Gabbanelli, Rosangela Capobianco, Rizzia Hammond, Rania Edlebi, Rick Anderson, Blaine Ochoa, Sharon Torres, Isela Garcia, Rose Chen, Vicky Dominguez, Yoon Smith, Fadila Kibsgaard-Petersen, Dai Sullivan, Orlando Ocanas-Manzo and Katalina Cohen.