Curated Texan
While Honoring This Year’s Selection of Women Of Distinction, The French Theme Incorporated Versailles And The French Countryside
By Cindi Harwood Rose Photography by Jacob Powers
THE SCENE: The Post Oak Hotel in Houston perfectly captured the spirit of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s 2026 Winter Ball. The chairs, Alice Mae Brams, M.D. and Elizabeth DeLuca, created an unforgettable night inspired by the elegance of Versailles and the charm of the French Countryside. The Master of Ceremonies was NPR Hello Houston on-air personality Frank Billingsley for the 370 elegantly attired patrons who were decked in black tie, ball gowns, and glittering glamour. The spotlight was on the urgent need to support individuals living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and the campaign raised $675,000.
THE VIBE: The soft floral arrangements by Blooming Gallery, in pastel tones, represented understated elegance. Attendees included many former Women of Distinction (WOD) honorees and their guests. The excitement always starts with a showcase of photos from the esteemed past WODs by Gittings Photography. Helen Shaffer from the class of 2010 and Shawn Stephens from the class of 2011 were joyfully greeting the many guests. After delicious bites of mini goat cheese tarts, confit tomato, beef carpaccio, and drinks, attendants moved to the glamorous ballroom, where former WODs joyfully walked through the venue, waving to their fellow guests.
The dinner included a grilled radicchio Caesar salad, a choice of succulent 48-hour slow-braised short rib Osso Bucco, atop a parmesan risotto or toasted braised red cabbage, and a dessert tower. This year’s Women of Distinction honorees, dressed in fashionable gowns, were: Kristen Cannon, Lauren Gow, Jennifer LeGrand Howard, Robin Klaes, Michelle Lilie, Dr. Linda Sagarnaga Magill, Desrye Morgan, Pitsami Norm, and Karen DeGeruin Remington. Each made a separate runway walk, while an abundance of their career accomplishments and philanthropic work was noted.
The live auction rallied the crowd around three exciting items: a Houston Rockets VIP experience, an Ultimate Porsche Weekend, and a Sterling Golf Package. Following it was a call to the mission, encouraging the crowd to put their “paddles up” and donate extra funds for research and wellness.
Seen in the crowd were Mandy Kao, Leila Perrin, Anita Smith, Dr. Yvonne and Rufus Cormier, Dr. Franklin Rose, Anita Smith, Jerre Williams, Peter Remington, Audrey and David Gow, Scott Konitzer, Jill and Brad Deutser, Trina Mendenhall, Whitney Lawson, Sneha and Nick Merchant, Todd Ramos, Franco Volobra, Megan Jordan, and Michael Osso. Key underwriters included HEB, Johnson & Johnson, the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, Memorial Hermann Foundation, Valobra Master Jewelers, and Dr. Alice Mao Brams.
THE NON PROFIT: The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation works diligently to find cures for IBD disease, which one in 100 people have, with a strong success rate. Over 900,000 users find the Gut-friendly recipe finder and medication guide, given to those who suffer from IBD, helpful. The Mission Speaker, Lindsay Horton, brought many to tears with accounts of her life journey with Crohn’s disease 27 years ago, which began when she was 14. Beyond her diagnosis and treatments, Horton graduated summa cum laude from Baylor University with a Master’s Degree in Family Counseling. She is active in her children’s activities.
