Record-Setting Day for L.I.F.E. Houston
- L.I.F.E. Houston
- May 26
- 2 min read
Nearly 400 guests filled the ballroom at the Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria on Friday, May 8, for the annual L.I.F.E. Houston Mother’s Day Luncheon, creating one of the organization’s most successful and inspiring events to date. Event Chairs Nicole Lassiter and Dr. Jackie Ward welcomed supporters and expressed gratitude for the extraordinary generosity and community spirit displayed throughout the afternoon raising over $220,000.
Guests were greeted with an elegant reception and silent auction before the luncheon, while VIP attendees captured memorable photos in front of a breathtaking architectural floral landscape designed by Hiram Smith of Hiram Style. The ballroom radiated sophistication in L.I.F.E. Houston’s signature lavender palette, beautifully accented with lush floral table arrangements by Lexis Florist. Emmy Award-winning television personality Rita Garcia served as emcee, bringing warmth, energy, and enthusiasm to the celebration. Pioneer sponsor H-E-B was also recognized for its continued commitment to supporting the mission of L.I.F.E. Houston and its efforts to help provide critical nutrition resources to families and infants in need throughout the Houston community.
The luncheon served as a powerful reminder of L.I.F.E. Houston’s mission to combat infant hunger and provide emergency infant formula and nutritional education to families in crisis. One of the afternoon’s most emotional moments came when a mother of twin babies courageously shared her personal story about receiving assistance from the organization during a difficult season in her life. Her testimony deeply moved attendees and underscored the critical impact of the organization’s work.
Momentum in the ballroom continued as auctioneer Johnny Bravo energized the audience with an engaging live auction and heartfelt fundraising appeal that inspired nearly every guest to raise a paddle in support of Houston’s most vulnerable babies.
Honorees Erika Jones, Sonja McCain, Sara Montelongo-Oyervidez, and Mary Morgan Stevens were recognized for their outstanding leadership, service, and dedication to the community. Each honoree walked the runway as their biographies and contributions were highlighted, drawing enthusiastic applause and heartfelt cheers from supporters throughout the room.
CEO Shawntell McWilliams, reminded guests of the organization’s enduring impact, sharing, “Since 1988, L.I.F.E. Houston has been feeding Houston’s hungry babies by providing an emergency supply of formula to families in crisis and offering education on proper infant and early childhood nutrition. The funds raised from this annual event will help ensure that all babies receive the nutrition they need to thrive.”
Attendees also learned that the organization has distributed more than four million cans of infant formula, helping feed more than 135,000 babies across the Houston area. Guests were reminded that just $100 can provide a month’s supply of formula for one infant in need.
The meaningful afternoon concluded with the announcement of silent auction winners and closing remarks from Chairman of the Board Jorge Olvera, leaving guests inspired by the power of compassion, community, and collective impact.
Seen in the Crowd: Sippi Khurana, Chree Boydstun, Leisa Holland Nelson Bowman, Vicki Luna, Saula Valente, Heidi Smith, Regina and Ronald Jackson, Tiffany Needham, Mary Foster, Cyndonii Miles, and Brandon McClendon.