7.31.07: Unicef's Designs of Hope in Houston

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Unicef's Designs of Hope in Houston

Erin Patak of the Houston Ballet (Young Audrey Hepburn)

More than 600 attended the U. S. Fund for UNICEF’s Designs of Hope Gala in Houston. They raised over $700,000, a record. This Gala raises funds for global programs providing care and support for women and children made vulnerable from HIV/AIDS. Dr. Carolyn Farb was chairman of the event that was themed “Remembering Audrey Hepburn” and held at the Hotel Intercontinental.

UNICEF Golf Medallion Honorees were: award winning actress, humanitarian and artist Jane Seymour; The Audrey Hepburn Children's Fund, which was accepted on behalf of the Fund by Executive Director Ellen Erwin; and Dr. Farb. The UNICEF Gold Medallion is given to individuals who have selflessly dedicated their time and resources to assist the efforts of UNICEF to save and improve the lives of the world's most vulnerable children. This is the highest honor UNICEF Texas bestows on individuals.

Guests in the crowd included: John and Becca Cason Thrash, Charles Ward, Joanne King Herring, Eileen and Kase Lawal, Michael and Ileana Trevino, Thomas and Anna Au, Betty and John Hrncir, Adel and Maureen Chaouch, John and Ann Bookout, Trish Millard and Joe Thomas, Leela and Nat Krishnamurthy, Jo Lynn and Greg Falgout, Marie Myers-Bruns and Christian Bruns, Intercontinental Hotel General Manager Willem and Shari Plegt, Ed Silliman, Kirill and Oksana Tatarinov, Franco Valobra, Chris and Rene Flood, Meredith Cullen, Christian and Viviane Escudie, Thurman and Lilly Andress, Dikembe and Rose Mutombo, Shelly and Michael Dee, Micky Rosmarin, John Evatz, Vanessa Riley, Sue Trammell Whitfield, and from UNICEF were national board member Amy Robbins, UNICEF's new President and CEO Caryl Stern and UNICEF Texas Executive Director John M. Tsacrios, Jr.

Charles Ward, Carolyn Farb, and Shari and Willem Plegt

Eileen Lawal, Jane Seymour, and Kase Lawal

The highlight of the evening was a 35-minute fashion show that was produced by Lenny Matuszewski, Jr. and Tamara Klosz Bonar and featured fashions celebrating Audrey Hepburn's most memorable films. Tootsies, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Cotton Club, Vanessa Riley of London and Elizabeth Anthony/Esther Wolf all provided the clothing with Cartier providing the jewels. Madison Shoes provided the elegant footwear. The beginning of the show started with a youthful and vibrant "Audrey" played by Houston Ballet's Erin Patak, leaping and dancing along the runway. The audience was amazed at the strong resemblance and movements of Patak to. Hepburn. Patak was discovered by Lenny and Tamara walking through Tootsies and realized how perfect she would be for this role.

The floral arrangements of Super Pink roses adorning each table as well as Malibu Roses on the back of each of the chairs were provided and designed by Nino Shbeeb of Flowers by Nino. Distinctive Details created the decor in the spirit of Audrey Hepburn with alternating linens in ivory and black taffeta with chair covers which were black with pearl beaded caps and finished with an ivory satin bow. Each place setting also consisted of black oversized "Audrey" sunglasses banked against a gold beaded charger. The dinner fit for movie royalty was created by Intercontinental Hotels Master Chef Peter Laufer.