Rendezvous With Dress for Success Houston Raises $600K for Women’s Empowerment

Dress for Success Houston (DFS Houston) brought together a community of more than 550 champions of the cause to Rendezvous with Dress for Success Houston. This year’s sold-out celebration honored 10 years of collaboration with Houston’s leading arts organizations through the agency’s Creative Works programming, while also commemorating 27 years of transforming the lives of more than 47,000 women in the city. Hosted at the dazzling Revaire, the evening was led by devoted co-chairs Chad Libertus Vice President Houston Ballet Board, Valerie and Tracy Dieterich – Board of Trustee of the Houston Symphony, alongside Daniel Turner and Jay Landa – Theatre Under the Stars Board Member, who curated a truly magical evening. The celebration raised over $600,000 to advance DFS Houston’s mission and empower thousands of Houston-area women—without government or United Way funding.

The evening’s excitement kicked off with vibrant performances by six Theatre Under the Stars students. Following the performance, KHOU Channel 11’s Mia Gradney welcomed guests with warmth and enthusiasm, setting an uplifting tone for the night. DFS Houston President Lauren Levicki Courville acknowledged the Board of Directors and the DFS Houston team, sharing her deep gratitude for their unwavering support. She reflected on the agency’s successes over the years and highlighted the transformative opportunities provided through the Creative Works Program, recognizing the Houston Ballet, Houston Symphony, and Theatre Under the Stars for their meaningful partnerships that have enriched the lives of DFS Houston clients. She emphasized how these united efforts have opened doors for thousands of women, leaving a lasting impact across the Houston community. Mia introduced the six client ambassadors—Leslie, Harriet, Yecenia, Nhu-Thuy, Adriane, and Eleanor—whose personal success stories left the audience inspired, as the room buzzed with emotion. The energy soared when Lauren Anderson, retired Principal Dancer and Associate Director of Education & Community Engagement for Houston Ballet, took the stage. She emphasized that creativity fuels confidence, empowering women to grow, express themselves fully, and achieve success in every aspect of their lives. Drybar Houston and Sephora stylists graciously donated time and talent, providing make-up and hair services for our ambassadors.

The evening’s epicures provided an incredible array of food: Ryan Bouillet, A Fare Extraordinaire, Vanderlei Bernardi, Avenida Brazil Churrascaria Steakhouse and Sal e Brasa Brazilian Steakhouse, Yoshi Katsuyama, Aya Sushi, Gabriel Guzman, Azumi, Jason Li, Blue Claw Seafood Restaurant and Bar, Frank Hernandez, Credence & Sidebar, Brandi Key, Daily Gather, Troy Guard, Guard & Grace Houston, Ivan Trujillo, Hearsay, Sue Nowamooz, Hungry’s, Pak Tsui, KA Sushi, Franklin Liao, Leven Bakery & Cafe, Garee Ramirez Batted, Loch Bar, Ilias Gugole, Marmo, Kent Domas, Milton’s American Trattoria, Mayowa Sobamowo, MYOA, Brandon Caine, Nyam Nyam Korean BBQ at The Finn, Anita Jaisinghani, Pondicheri, Dustin Teague, Relish Restaurant & Bar, Jordi Roca and Ale Rivas, Rocambolesc, Marco Incerti, Tavola, Donovan Wood, Traveler’s Table, Clint Fuqua, Winfield’s Chocolate Bar. Delicious drinks were on tap thanks to donations from Arnaldo Richards, Arnaldo Richards’ Picos, Brandon Caine, HiFi at The Finn, Suntory Global Spirits, Marco Gutierrez, Tequila Kateri, Matt Indre, Total Wine & More, and Stephanie Maxwell, WhistlePig Whiskey.

Kristine Mills Band, in town from the UK, entertained the crowd while they dined on the fabulous culinary creations. Auction co-chairs Lisa Barth, Susie Cunningham, Caroline Jacobs, Katherine Orellana Ross, and Leanne Schneider, kept the bidding wars going with fabulous, curated packages. Items up for grabs included trips to Costa Rica, Napa Valley, Park City, and Laguna Beach, United Airlines tickets, a weekend getaway to Round Top, a dinner for eight at Truluck’s, and more. The auction alone raised over $122,900 for the agency. Supporters of DFS Houston also contributed nearly $10,800 toward raffle tickets to win a pair of 18k white gold diamond hoops generously donated by Diamonds Direct (valued at $6,600).

“This organization isn’t just about dressing women for success, it’s about preparing us to thrive in our careers, communities, and future endeavors. I stand here today as a more confident woman because of everything Dress for Success has poured into me.”— Eleanor, DFS Houston Client Ambassador.

Seen in the crowd: Gary Reaves and wife Rebekah Reaves, (DFS Houston Board Chair), Nancy Levicki and Susie Cunningham (DFS Houston Co-founders), Board Members, Allie Danziger and husband Eric Danziger, Kristi McCarthy, Ben Patton and wife Mary Patton, Emcee Mia Gradney, Advisory Council Members Art Smith and Becky Roberts, Maria and Graham Lowery, Paige and Kris Branam, Karen Lerner, Teal Holden, Linda Padon, Clare Sullivan Jackson, and Melkeya McDuffie. Long-time supporters, Carrie and Nick Fersen, Corla Davis, and Cindy Speyrer.