Inside The Success Of The AVDA “New Beginnings” Luncheon In Houston

The Houstonian Sets The Scene For The Impactful Afternoon

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by Daniel Ortiz

THE SCENE: The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa was the setting for an afternoon of fun and fundraising that celebrated community leaders devoted to advocating for the survivors of abuse and domestic violence. Over 300 of the city’s top family advocates, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for the annual New Beginnings Luncheon benefiting AVDA.

THE VIBE: The cocktail-attired crowd featured a mix of cocktail dresses, sundresses, and suits. Men and women could be seen donning vibrant floral prints and bold and pastel colors. The result was a friendly and welcoming environment for all who attended.

The afternoon started with a champagne reception in The Houstonian Ballroom Foyer. During the reception, guests had the opportunity to enjoy bubbles and themed cocktails that honored both the organization and the event, like the Gentle and Brave Bloom.

As one walked around the champagne reception, they could see patrons posing for images to commemorate the afternoon in the glow-up photo booth.  Others were seen perusing a silent auction and purchased raffle tickets for an array of luxury experiences, including Diamond Club seating for a Houston Astros game, a staycation at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa, restaurant experiences at popular Houston establishments, including Bludorn, Brasserie 19, and Drake’s Hollywood, just to name a few.

The action then moved into The Houstonian ballroom for the main program. KHOU 11 Meteorologist Chita Craft served as mistress of ceremonies, keeping the afternoon moving at a fun, informative, and brisk pace.

As attendees dined on their delectable lunches, they were treated to words from organization and event leaders thanking them for their support of AVDA over the past 45 years. Highlights of the program included words from AVDA CEO Maisha Colter and recognizing the Gamma Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega at the University of Houston with the Young Advocate Award. The afternoon was capped off by honoring Houston City Council Member Abbie Kamin with the Ambassador of Advocacy Honoree for her longtime and tireless support of public safety, women’s rights, and domestic violence prevention.

THE NON-PROFIT: The New Beginnings Luncheon, co-chaired by Colleen DiFonzo-Lewis and Erika Frankfort, with Jennifer Caras, Mario Gudmundsson, and Courtney Harmon serving as honorary chairs, raised over $250,000 for AVDA. Proceeds raised from the luncheon will go towards providing programs and services dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence. Since the organization’s founding 45 years ago, AVDA has provided free advocacy, safety planning, and legal counsel for more than 100,000 survivors of domestic abuse as well as group counseling for over 30,000 abusers focused on personal change to help end the cycle of abuse.