The Most Attractive Fundraiser Ever

Between the striking Etro models on the elevated catwalk and the youthful crop of fashionistas and their beaus lingering around the bar, the eye candy quotient at The Astorian on this night ran particularly high. You see, the Catwalk fundraiser, benefiting A Shelter for Cancer Families, has a loyal following of rather attractive supporters.

Of course, you don’t have to be a 10 or even a three on the beauty scale to embrace the philanthropic mission of providing free, tangible support for families seeking cancer treatment in the Texas Medical Center. That support most often manifests itself in housing aid for out-of-town families. The shelter provides support regardless of age, economic status, cancer type or treatment status.

Another key component of the mission is providing “cancer navigators,” volunteers who give personal support to families affected by cancer, ranging from simply holding a family member’s hand to taking notes at a clinic appointment.

Leading the charge in fundraising for the mission was a vibrant trio of chair couples — Nicole and Evan Katz, Carolyn and Chris Dodson and Kitty and Lex Hochner. Imparting a fashionable nuance in their own right, the couples had front row seats for the stunning Etro presentation of must-have fall looks. Etro was joined by River Oaks District in hosting the fundraiser.

The program included remarks from Shelter founder Missy Bellinger, a few jokes by comedian and cancer survivor Erik Bergstrom in from New York and a salute to five 2019 Cancer Family Ambassadors.

Who: James Bellinger, Lindley Arnoldy, Traci and Matt Ling, Allie and Jay Fields, Caroline and Will Brown, Lucrezia Buccellati (as in Buccellati jewels) Wildenstein, Christina Stith, Leigh and Chris Joseph, Jennifer and Jonathan Rivera, Jill and Stirling Bomar, Kelly and Adam Tepper, Monica and Curtis Bickers, Lindsey Looke, Nancy Bihlmaier, Anne and Matt Phillips, and Maya and Matt Pomroy.