Fall luncheon
Tracie Welch-Brenton

The Houston Symphony League’s Fall Luncheon & Fashion Show was a Resounding Success

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The Houston Symphony League held its annual Fall Membership Luncheon & Fashion Show on September 18, 2024, in the newly redecorated ballroom at The Junior League of Houston. The event attracted a vibrant crowd and offered an afternoon filled with elegance, entertainment, and a deep sense of community spirit.

The event was co-chaired by Cynthia Wolff and Paige Cawthon, whose dedication and vision were instrumental in making the luncheon a success. They highlighted the sponsorship of the Symphony’s First Chair Violinist, Sophia Silivos in a brief interview and violin performance showing the League’s unwavering commitment to inspiring a love of music and the arts throughout our community. Gorgeous professional models and a few key volunteers took the runway showcasingthe exclusive launch of designer Christy Lynn’s Fall line, which captivated attendees with its chic and innovative designs.
A standout moment of the luncheon was the address by League President Heidi Rockecharlie who introduced HS Society Board President, Barbara Burger and this year’s League board members, graciously recognizing each for their commitment to the Symphony in an unprecedented move to make this year more about recognition and appreciation of League volunteers. 
 
Rockecharlie also unveiled innovative strategies to efficiently increase fundraising and reduce costs for greater success, including offering new membership level benefits like Baccarat crystal at the $2,000 level, generously donated by LeaguePresident-Elect, Leslie Nossaman.
 
“Only three months into the season, and we already have enough sponsorships to reduce costs by nearly 50% for some events meaning more funds can be allocated directly to The Houston Symphony from the League!” Rockecharlie emphasized. “We are incredibly thankful to everyone who has participated, especially Christy Lynn, for underwriting the costs associated with her fashion show, and donating a percentage of sales to the League, making this event even more special.”
 
In the crowd: Saks Fifth Avenue General Manager Heidi Turney, Beth Wolff, Lesha Elsenbrook, Betty Tutor, Elsie Eckert, Saula Valente, Nancy Willerson, Helen Shaffer, Sharon Brier, Kirk Kveton, Daniel Irion, Karen Payne,Mary Sage, Seema Sharma, Teresa Cox-Reading, Alecia Lawyer, Diane Gendel, Alex Blair, Christina Sacco, Hasina Stark, Libi Lebel, Jerre Parsons Williams, Nick Rockecharlie, Alicia Jansen, Anna Dean, Astrid Van Dyke, Deborah Laws, Sandra Porter, Kim Padgett, Helen Balensiefen Bow, Kirin Wells, Harriet Gertner, Amy Glenn Becker
League models: Cheryl Byington, Tracie Welch-Brenton, Raquel Lewis, and Blanca Jolly.
Brad Cavanaugh

Houston Symphony League Interviews A Houston Icon

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Chic … Eloquent … Sold-out! These were just some of the afternoon fun at the Junior League of Houston, where 150 beautifully dressed women and men enjoyed lunch and listened to chairperson Marla Hurley interview former retail giant Robert Sakowitz. View the article on the SOCIAL BOOK

Ann Cavanaugh

Magical Musical Morning

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League member, Joan Duff, experienced a transformative moment at last year’s Magical Musical Morning. So much so that she is chairing this year’s December 8th event at the River Oaks Country Club.
As a new member of the Houston Symphony League, and grandmother to eight youngsters, Joan immediately bought a table for her Houston area grandchildren. Her 7-year old grandson, Jed, absolutely had to have his best friend, Eliza, join him. And what a momentous invitation that turned out to be. Eliza zeroed in on the violin at the Instrument Petting Zoo. She was glowing with anticipation as she patiently awaited her turn to hold a VIOLIN. And then, when the moment happened Eliza’s face, indeed her whole being, sparkled as she placed her tiny hands around the neck of the violin and was helped to nuzzle her delicate face onto the chinrest. And then – when the volunteer placed the bow in her hand and helped her create sound- she fell in love. The magic gripped her. And, the magic continues.
A few months later, when interviewed for her new school and asked if she plays a musical instrument Eliza responded, “Yes, I play the violin.” When asked where she replied, “At the River Oaks Country Club.” Ah, the confidence of magic. Hoping to turn that “technical reality” into a “reality” her dad bought Eliza a violin and signed her up for lessons.

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