Houston’s Inaugural Model of the Year Awards Raises Money for The Doll Foundation
Blanca Lozano, Roslyn Bazzelle Mitchell, Celerina Dugat, April M. Salazar, AnnMarie Benard, Marissa Walsh
Co-chairs Qiana James and Rosalina Tran Lydster set out to honor and celebrate Women of Influence, and also raise money for The Doll Foundation – the nonprofit which educates and provides resources to seniors and caregivers.
More than 200 guests eagerly waited to enter the newest edition to the River Oaks District, Ciel Restaurant & Lounge, dressed in their finest Met Gala-themed attire, they were greeted by Model of the Year Awards committee members and in full view, the upcoming years’ ‘ultimate driving machine,’ the 2023 BMW 7 series sedan.
An aerialist performed eye catching acrobatics, while pouring champagne as guests viewed silent auction items, Jewelry by Rosalina, Danny Nguyen Couture, and sipped on refreshments and cocktails. Reality star and producer Alexis ‘Fly’ Jones welcomed guests and introduced the co-chairs.
While guests enjoyed a multi-course dinner, honorees Johnte’ Archer-Adotama, Petra Bergstein-Higby, Melanie Dinh, Perla M. Guerra, Lissette Kadlecek, Dr. CleRenda McGrady, Maria Moncada Alaoui, April M. Salazar, and Victoria Tai were each recognized and presented with awards. The beautiful and timeless legend herself, Harriet Gertner received the Model of a Lifetime Award.
Capping off the evening were a performance by Lady Laurana, socializing, and dancing. The inaugural Gala raised $72,000.
Spotted at the gala were: Mama Mai, Deborah Duncan, Miss Houston Samantha Havenstrite, Sami Khaleeq, Debra Laws, Terri Ho, Crystal Sarmiento, Roslyn Bazzelle Mitchell, and John & Anna Reger.
Photography by: Henry Adegbite, Visual Influence
Terri Ho
Melanie Dinh, Thuylinh Nguyen
Dr. CleRenda McGrady
Lissette Kadlecek, Victoria Taijpg
Co-chairs Qiana James, Rosalina Tran Lydster
Sasha Libby, Dr. Peta-gay Ledbetter
Sami Khaleeq, John Elias, Harriet Gertner, Miss Houston Samantha Havenstrite
Deborah Duncan, Clare E. Fontenot
Crystal Sarmiento, Perla M. Guerra, Rashena Franklin
Mama Mai with Ciel Dancers
Johnte’ Archer-Adotama
Danny Nguyen Couture Models
Dr. Vanessa Barrow
