Jose Altuve’s Adorable Daughter Steals the Show as Astros Wives Rock the Runway
Sideline Star Julia Morales Emcees Crucial Domestic Violence Gala
BY Shelby Hodge // 05.10.19José Altuve and daughter Melanie at the Astros Foundation Safe at Home luncheon. (Photo by Jacob Power)
Only hours before the boys of summer would suit up preparing to take on the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park, the Houston Astros wives and girlfriends donned summery togs only yards from home plate in a midday fashion show fundraiser that brought both levity and gravity.
The Astros Foundation‘s inaugural “Safe at Home” luncheon and Tootsies style show filled Union Station with fans, players and fashionistas. None hitting the adorbs scale higher than little Melanie Altuve, who leapt from the fashion runway into the arms of her dad, Jose Altuve, while mom, Nina Altuve, completed the catwalk course.
Astros AT&T SportsNet sideline reporter Julia Morales Clark emceed the event that raised more than $200,000 for the Astros Foundation and its domestic violence awareness and education efforts.
The Safe at Home message resonating through the hall was highlighted by guest speaker Judge Lincoln Goodwin, who shared his childhood story of domestic violence and being carried in his mothers arm for miles through the night to escape a dangerous home situation. Among the 16 Astros Foundation partner agencies on hand were the Houston Area Women’s Center and Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse.
Astros Foundation executive director Twila Carter addressed efforts to shed light on domestic violence and to support organizations that shelter and protect victims, that help them regain their lives and that teach skills in developing non-violent relationships.
Not without its upbeat moments, the fashion show elicited hoots, hollers and whistles for the spring play clothes-attired Astros sweeties, who included Kara McCullers, Erin Hinch, Kat Rogers, Gina Luhnow, Michele Kemp, Amy Cole, Allie Smith, Daniella Rodriguez, Lianet Gurriel, Alli Spivey and Katy Miley.
Astros applauding their ladies included players Carlos Correa, Lance McCullers, Tony Kemp, Joe Smith, Wade Miley, Will Harris, Max Stassi, Ryan Pressly, Astros president of operations Reid Ryan, and Astros GM Jeff Luhnow.
Astros owner Jim Crane and wife Whitney presided over a runway table where they were joined by another major contributor Jim McIngvale, plus Courtney Sarofim, Tony Bradfield, Elyse Lanier, Carol Linn and more.
PC Seen: Janice McNair, Lexie Sakowitz, Terri Havens, Hannah McNair, Lauren Randle, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, Phyllis Williams, Samantha Kennedy, Christina Stith, Annie Eiler, Dee Dee Marsh, Leisa Holland Nelson, and Kelley Lubanko.