The aroma of rich and harmonious wine along with culinary delights and entertainment united more than 200 supporters and guests on the vine for The Women’s Fund for Health Education and Resiliency and its 7th Annual Wine Dinner at Tony’s on Tuesday, May 17, 2022. The Wine Dinner, presented by The Durdin Family and Parkway Family Chevrolet, Mazda and Kia, raised more than $205,000 to ensure Houston-area women and girls have free access to tools they need to be advocates for their health through classes, workshops, lectures, and publications focused on physical, mental, financial, emotional, health, and wellness.

The Wine Dinner began with sounds of soft jazz by the Houston Ensemble and a reception of passed crab cakes and Beef Wellington along with NV Francois Labet Brut Cremant De Bourgogne Pinot Noir. Dinner chimes ushered guests to their tables, as KHOU-11’s Great Day Houston host Deborah Duncan welcomed guests and introduced President of the Board Jillian Nel who highlighted The Women’s Fund programs that provide a safe haven for girls and women, and the commitment to continue providing classes, presentations, and publications free of charge to communities with limited access to health information.

Nel thanked sponsors and introduced Co-chairs: The Durdin Family, Jean Durdin, Sharilyn and Gayle Lampson, Erin and Forbes Durdin, Granger Durdin and Heather Oglesby. Lampson was welcomed to the podium and shared why The Women’s Fund’s mission is so important to her and her family. Wine Dinner guests also heard testimony from Nelly Argueta-Solórzano, LMSW, a Wraparound Resource Specialist at Piney Point Elementary School. Argueta-Solórzano has witnessed the power and impact The Women’s Fund classes, workshops and publications make on young girls who face challenging circumstances.

Dinner was a feast for the eyes and palate accented by floral décor by Shaina Park with Heyday Flowers and the exquisite four-course meal with wine pairings that included:

Carciofi Romani with long steam roman artichoke served with pesto vinaigrette, Vallone olive oil, parmigiana reggiano, mint, and paired with Domaine Seguinot-Bourgogne Blanc, Burgundy

Whole Salt Crusted Gulf Coast Snapper served along with Barolo ristretto and paired with Cru, Vineyard Montage, Pinot Noir

Niman ranch short ribs served with wild mushroom risotto and paired with 6 North Cellars, Flagstone, Cabernet Sauvignon

Bombe Glace paired with Rizzi Moscato D’Asti

Tony’s Executive Chef Kate McLean guided guests through the menu and Duncan thanked the Wine Dinner’s entertainment sponsor Plains Capital Bank while introducing Houston’s own American Idol Season 12 finalist Vincent Powell along with the Houston Ensemble Band. Powell and his band entertained guests with performances of Let the Good Times Roll, Save Room, Tennessee Whisky, Dreams, Ain’t No Sunshine, and more.

Silent auction sponsor David Peck created a friendly bidding war among the Wine Dinner guests who took a fancy to dining, entertainment, travel, luxury items and experiences. Peck also fulfilled the thrill of giving back with 12 mystery bags curated with his merchandise and gift certificates that were available for purchase. While guests placed their bids, the entertainment continued, and the much-anticipated live auction followed.

Guest swirled their wine and lifted their paddles up high while auctioneer David Lewis led the live auction, which included Billy Joel floor seats, a Mexico vacation, wine dinners, and exquisite experiences. Before Duncan provided closing remarks, guests had the opportunity to fund training, provide vital community outreach programs, and materials for women and girls.

The Women’s Fund supporters and sponsors included: Joanna and Brad Marks, IW Marks Jewelers, Jackie Macha and Brian Faulkner, Martha Walton, Houston Texans Jerry Hughes Jr. and Meghan Hughes, Mary Beth Robinson, Paulina and Jim McGrath, Republic State Mortgage, Dr. Sean Blackwell, McGovern Medical School – UT Health, Department Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Services, SPD Construction, Team Velocity, Andrea and Bruce Bryant, 6 North Cellars, Philamena and Arthur Baird, Paula Sutton, Bill Gross, Peggy and Craig England, Tammy and Danny Schroeder, Plains Capital Bank, Jillian Nel, Monica Fulton, Kathy and Alex Johnson, , Lisa Rogers, Katherine and Dr. Brian Parsley, Marilyn and Tom Sumner, Veritex Community Bank, Insperity, Steve Alvis, Millie Stelzig, Katherine Gillman.

About The Women’s Fund for Health Education and Resiliency

The Women’s Fund is a nonprofit dedicated to providing Houston-area women and girls with the tools they need to be advocates for their health. Since 1979, The Women’s Fund has served women and girls by providing health education community seminars, programs, and publications.

The Women’s Fund collaborates with community partners to provide its programs and resources free of charge to the communities with limited access to health information. Houston area women and girls learn resiliency skills to increase self-efficiency, decision-making, goal setting, communication, and resourcefulness to be their own health advocates and ensure positive health outcomes for individuals and communities.

For more information, visit www.thewomensfund.org, call 713-623-6543, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.