Great Mothers from across the Globe Honored in Houston: Bollywood Bash is Full of Magic

What: International Mother’s Day Soirée 

Where: Asia Society Texas Center

PC Moment: Houston might lay claim to being the most “diversified” city in the nation but all hail this event for saluting the sophisticated international character of the city. More than 250 guests from a variety of nations attended the fifth annual evening, sponsored by LCA Houston International Society News Magazine, honoring mothers from across the globe. Kudos to event protagonist Ruchi Mukherjee, LCA Houston founder and editor.

Following the Bollywood theme of the event, emcees Sippi Khurana and KPRC’s Andy Cerota stepped out in lavish Indian-inspired attire as did many of the honorees and guests, making for a night of fashion splendor. Special guest Rohit Vyas was in from New York where he is a top honcho and English news anchor for TV ASIA. He presented the honorees.

Taking bows were Merele Yarborough, Dr. Monira Khundi, Toni Tate, Denise O’Brian, Ishwaria Mohan Subbiah, Shabnam Shaikh, Jill Shull, Carrie Bransberg-Dahl, Brigitte Kalai, Jane Seam, Rekha Muddaraj and Y. Ping Sun.

In a special surprise for everyone including the evening’s host, co-chair Shawntell McWilliams presented Ruchi with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for Outstanding Community Service from Congressman Al Green. 

The fete included Indian street foods and other goodies compliments of Kiran’s Restaurant, Raja Sweets, Ginn’s Gourmet, and Radio Milano. Add  a Bollywood-inspired dance by Sunrise International Dance Company, models showcasing saris, and a henna station to the night’s magic.

Who: Donatella Benckenstein, Kanchan Singh, Staci and Quan Henderson, Bashar Lalai, Sameera Faridi and Anas Ahmad, Mehrnaz Gill, Yasmine Haddad, Robert Tijerina, Sharron Melton, Logan Lester, Michael Pearce, Anika Jackson, Melissa Rascon, and Janine Iannerelli.