Rob Giardinelli
Artful Learning Organization Hosts Annual Luncheon Celebration
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Wilson Parish
THE SCENE: The River Oaks Country Club in Houston was the recent setting of the Children’s Museum Houston’s 31st annual Friends and Family Luncheon. The event brought out over 400 of the city’s most notable sociables, philanthropists, literary lovers, and community leaders for an afternoon of friendship, fun, and conversation all for a very worthy cause.
THE VIBE: The luncheon-chic-attired attendees featured an eclectic mix of bright colors and floral prints in honor of the start of Spring. As guests gathered in the foyer outside of the venue’s ballroom, old friends gathered and new friends were made. Before the event, guests had the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for an array of luxury items including a diamond bar necklace from Reiner’s Fine Jewelry and a basket of luxe skin products courtesy of Metropolitan Dermatology Institute.
Patrons then proceeded to the ballroom for the main program. KHOU 11 Meteorologist Chita Craft served as emcee, keeping the festivities moving at a fun, brisk pace. As guests dined on their lunches, they were treated to a series of moving tributes about how the Children’s Museum Houston has positively impacted the lives of so many young people. The luncheon was capped off with a keynote address by The New York Times best-selling author, Julie Lythcott-Haims where she delivered an inspirational address with the theme of empowering children to navigate the challenges of life with resilience and confidence.
THE NON-PROFIT: The event, co-chaired by Maya Pomroy, Nina Rand, and Meghan Wichuk raised over $200,000 for Children’s Museum Houston. Proceeds from the event will go toward the Museum’s community outreach programs to ensure children from all walks of life have access to enriching educational experiences.
