Trailblazer Awards Luncheon and Fashion Show: A Vibrant Celebration of Volunteerism and Giving Spirit
Houstonians Saddled Up in Style for the 25th Annual Trailblazer Awards Luncheon and Fashion Show
On February 7, over 2,100 attendees descended upon the Hilton Americas-Houston to celebrate the 25th annual Trailblazer Awards Luncheon and Fashion Show. The event, a staple of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, honored six women for their dedication to the rodeo, spanning a collective 159 years of volunteerism and giving spirit.
Honorees Recognized for Their Commitment to the Rodeo
The luncheon honored Beth Bricoe, Christy Stern, Lisa Schutzenhofer, Michelle Verbois, Rainey Janke, and Teresa Jordan for their tireless efforts in supporting the rodeo. The room erupted in cheers and applause as the honorees were lauded for their selfless contributions to the organization.
A Fashion Show like No Other
The runway lit up with stunning designs during the Saks Fifth Avenue fashion show, produced by Lenny Matuszewski and Tamara Klosz Bonar. Overhead LED screens and multicolored light tubes, courtesy of Stage Directions, amplified the spectacle, while décor by Let It Fly, Round Top Collection, and RL Designs provided a vibrant backdrop.
After-Party Delights
The event didn’t end with the final runway walk – the after-party kept the energy alive as over 1,000 guests danced into the late afternoon, thanks to beats by DJ Johnny Bravo.
Empowering Education and Literacy
The event also highlighted the committee’s impact on education and literacy through programs like Rodeo ROPES (Reading Opens the Path to Education Success) and SPURS (Students Pursuing Unlimited Reading and Writing Success). Over the past 11 years, ROPES has collected 620,000 children’s books from over 65 Rodeo committees, distributing them to underserved schools via Books Between Kids. SPURS, meanwhile, fosters young writers through competitions and weekend storytime sessions on Rodeo grounds.
Program and Speakers
The program, hosted by KHOU’s Mia Gradney and Len Cannon, featured remarks from Rodeo Board Chairman Pat Mann Phillips, Trailblazer Officer in Charge Wendy Lewis Armstrong, and Trailblazer Chairman Ann Massey, with an invocation by president and CEO Chris Bolen. The committee recognized Armstrong warmly as she wrapped up her final year as officer in charge.
Attendees and Supporters
Among the many cowboys and cowgirls in attendance were Kirby Lodholz, Katie Clapp, Lisa Blackwood, Amy White, Courtney Adame, Susannah Causey, Tabbetha Lopez, Ellie Francisco, Julie Kent, Isela Garcia, Cinthya Reade, Gretchen Gilliam, Kelly Larkin, Linda and Jim Winne, Jennifer Van Matre, Jamie Grissom, Jill Watson, Kristen Cannon, Diedra Fontaine, Cyndy Garza Roberts, Sharleen Walkoviak, Preston Hall, Michelle Maresh, Bridgette Grimes, Gigi Mayorga-Wark, Debi Gan, Sandra Cook, Cindy Seligman, Lesha Elsenbrook, Angela Hernandez, Vicki Luna, Crystal Maxwell, Cookie Michael, Shelley Boyer, Heather Kolos, Sally Flores, Debbie Festari, Brigitte Kalai, Poujol, Kathleen Mach, and Robin Young-Ellis.
Conclusion
The 25th annual Trailblazer Awards Luncheon and Fashion Show was a resounding success, celebrating the dedication and commitment of six remarkable women to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The event served as a testament to the importance of volunteerism and giving spirit, inspiring attendees to continue making a positive impact in their communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo?
A: The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is an annual event held in Houston, Texas, featuring a rodeo, livestock show, and various entertainment events.
Q: What is the purpose of the Trailblazer Awards Luncheon and Fashion Show?
A: The event honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the rodeo and its mission to support education and literacy in the community.
Q: What are Rodeo ROPES and SPURS?
A: ROPES (Reading Opens the Path to Education Success) is a program that collects and distributes children’s books to underserved schools, while SPURS (Students Pursuing Unlimited Reading and Writing Success) fosters young writers through competitions and weekend storytime sessions on Rodeo grounds.
Q: How many children’s books have been collected through ROPES?
A: Over 620,000 children’s books have been collected through ROPES since its inception.
Q: What is the significance of the 25th annual Trailblazer Awards Luncheon and Fashion Show?
A: The event marks a milestone in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s history, recognizing the dedication and commitment of six remarkable women to the organization’s mission.
