Houston Mayor Applauded for Domestic Violence Stand: Women’s Center Raises $650,000

What: The Houston Area Women’s Center gala “Party Like It’s 1977″

Where: Marriott Marquis

PC Moment: The goldie oldie theme saluted the center’s 40th anniversary celebration that included a moving video, a tear-inducing personal testimonial and applause for the center’s three CEOs — Nikki Van Hightower, Ellen Cohen and Rebecca White. Mayor Sylvester Turner received the Community Honor Award for his strong advocacy for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. With 500 guests joining the effort, the event raised $650,000 for the center. The importance of the organization was brought home by the political powerhouses attending including Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, State Senator Sylvia Garcia, County Attorney Vince Ryan and City Council Member Jerry Davis.

Who: Sippi and Ajay Khurana, Staci and Quanq Henderson, Carrie Potter, Janis Schmees Burke, Brian Franco, Frances Castaneda Dyess, Jenni and Scott Tranweaver, Mike Mahlstedt and Kyle Dutton, Cynthia and Wiley George, Diana Hudson and Lee Kaplan, Laura Thompson and Chris Smith, Anika Jackson and Amy and Rusty Desormeaux.