River Oaks’ French Chapel Mansion Inspires an Out of This World Evening

As the sun set on this spectacular spring evening, a well-heeled coterie gathered in front of the small stone chapel that Terri and John Havens had imported from France. Although there was no religious service scheduled for the gathering in this corner of the Havens’ River Oaks estate, the night was filled with an undeniable spirituality.

The aura of selflessness, love and caring that enveloped the charitable evening’s organizer, former Eileen Ford model Elena Davis, and her I Am Waters Foundation provided a moving testament to true altruism. Once homeless, now comfortably ensconced in River Oaks with her family, Davis has dedicated herself to assisting those whose plight she knows better than most.

In lieu of the annual luncheon fundraiser for I Am Waters, Davis, this year, opted for an intimate dinner, graciously hosted by the Havens and underwritten by Tom Roupe, whose wife, Jessica, chaired the evening along with Phoebe Tudor and Hallie Vanderhider.

Rather than a covey of vintage Supermodels on stage as has been tradition, Davis tapped Elle Macpherson, to speak on behalf of the I Am Waters mission of “hydrating the homeless both spiritually and physically.”

Macpherson, Davis, emcee Janet Shamlian of NBC News and the chairs addressed the gathering from the steps of the chapel, doors open as if inviting participation in the mission.

Cocktails on an upper terrace and dinner on the plaza were deftly overseen by Potente and Monarch Hospitality chef Danny Trace and restaurant entrepreneur Bill Floyd.

Divine diners: Gregg Davis, Cathy and Giorgio Borlenghi, Millette Sherman, Kevin Black and Tony Bradfield, Julia Davis, Alicia Smith, Deborah Duncan, Lauren and Edward Geiser, Jana Arnoldy, Denise Monteleone, Ashlee and Allan Keel, Sarah and Jeff Bartlett, Mallette Havens, Ericka Bagwell, Marni Greenwood and David Dewhurst.