Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, Annie Graham, Rev. Dempsey Rosales-Acosta, Bob Graham
In attendance were a number of current and former UST students, who took time to share their experience at the university and how much scholarships have meant to them. It was revealed that proceeds from the live auction as well as the paddles-up segment would be put towards establishing an annual scholarship in the name of Cardinal DiNardo.
The celebratory affair took on an Italian theme, from the delicious dinner to the evening's entertainment, Matteo Bocelli, who wandered throughout the ballroom dancing with lucky partygoers. Live-auction packages tipped their hat to the theme, too, as in a private dinner with His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo and Dr. Richard and Melynda Ludwick in the private Positano Room at Amalfi restaurant.
The festive fete concluded with a dessert parade, which featured a sparkler-topped cake for the birthday boy and mini cakes for all the guests.
Cynthia and Tony Petrello
Denise Castillo-Rhodes, Robert Sergesketter, Paula Hanson
Dr. Richard Ludwick, Melynda Ludwick
UST student Christel Vallagomesa
Honorary Chairs Bishop Italo Dell'Oro, CRS and Raye G. White, Honoree His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Event Chairs Ginger and John Niemann
Isabel and Ignacio "Nacho" Torras
Matteo Bocelli
Megan Jarchow, Craig Jarchow, Angela Jarchow
Lois Davis, Father Charles Hough
Lois and Richard Folger
Cynthia and Tony Petrello
Denise Castillo-Rhodes, Robert Sergesketter, Paula Hanson
Dr. Richard Ludwick, Melynda Ludwick
UST student Christel Vallagomesa
Honorary Chairs Bishop Italo Dell'Oro, CRS and Raye G. White, Honoree His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Event Chairs Ginger and John Niemann
Isabel and Ignacio "Nacho" Torras
Matteo Bocelli
Megan Jarchow, Craig Jarchow, Angela Jarchow
Lois Davis, Father Charles Hough
Lois and Richard Folger
Serial entrepreneur and spa visionary LeBrina Jackson
NESTLED IN THE heart of France, the town of Vichy holds a rich history in the world of wellness and hydrotherapy. Acquiring fame for their alkaline springs in the 17th century, the Romans were among the first to recognize the therapeutic benefits of the springs. They established a French spa known as “Vichy,” which still exists today and continues to attract spa-goers from around the world to experience the transformative effects of hydrotherapy.
Intrigued by the legacy of Vichy's wellness traditions, serial entrepreneur and spa visionary LeBrina Jackson founded and aptly named her very first spa Pure Vichy, knowing she wanted to incorporate the healing powers of water into her offerings. Drawing inspiration from a visit to France and her passion for water-based wellness, LeBrina aimed to bring the essence of Vichy's healing waters to Texas, creating a sanctuary where clients could experience the revitalizing benefits of hydrotherapy that she had fallen in love with.
Today, LeBrina's dedication to Vichy's legacy lives on at her Escape Spa in Cypress, just outside of Houston. Offering a range of Hydrotherapy services, LeBrina’s treatments seamlessly integrate Vichy practices with contemporary spa techniques to stimulate circulation, aid in relaxation, and promote healing and wellness. Water therapy has proven beneficial for a variety of health conditions including arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain, cardiovascular diseases, and sports injuries, making the spa’s treatments perfect for anyone seeking an overall boost in their health and wellbeing.
“I read years ago that in Latin SPA stands for ‘solus per aqua’ or ‘health by water.’ Water has always held almost sacred space when it comes to healing,” explains LeBrina. “Then after experiencing the healing power of natural geothermal hot springs around the world as well as visiting Vichy, France, I realized I always felt like I pushed a hard reset button on my personal renewal. It became clear that if I wanted to offer authentic wellness therapies in any spa I would create, it was essential to incorporate water-based treatments into the service menu."
Among the spa’s signature treatments is the Nourishing Glow Wrap, a standout service that combines exfoliation with a luxurious volcanic clay mask. As warm water cascades over the body, detoxification and relaxation intertwine, leaving your skin feeling soft, hydrated, and radiant. Similarly, the Vichy Recovery Massage melts away stress under eight shower heads, followed by a full body massage and a body scrub — a synergistic blend that relieves tension. Additional signature treatments include the Sleek and Slim and Illuminating Vichy Body Peel, also designed to harness the power of water to boost relaxation and rehabilitation.
These offerings not only pay homage to the rich heritage of Vichy's spa culture, but also reflect Escape Spa's commitment to modernizing traditional wellness rituals.
Book a service at Escape Spa to experience the magic of Vichy hydrotherapy and expand your self-care regime.
LeBrina Jackson
Model wearing Mason's Daughters Designs & The Vintage Contessa
IN WHAT HAS now become an annual tradition (with spectacular spring weather!), Recipe for Success Foundation's Fashion in the Fields brunch was an al fresco, floral-savvy soiree held at its Hope Farms facility.
A seasonal fashion show featured lots of local talent, including clothing and accessories by M. Penner, Miron Crosby and Vintage Contessa, with commentary by Lyndsey Zorich of The Avenue and Ahshia Berry with Sarah Jayne Smith of Magpies & Peacocks. Select items were available before and after the fashion show at the Hope Farms Store, which was transformed into a chic boutique for the day.
Guests took in the lovely looks from their seats at tables dressed in paisley linens with centerpieces of white watering cans spilling over with gorgeous hand-picked flowers — zinnias, snapdragons, mums and more — from the Hope Farms fields. Central Market put on a beautiful charcuterie spread, while Bistro Menil, Le Jardinier, Josephine's Gulf Coast, Kriti Kitchen and Culinaire teamed up to provide the rest of the brunch buffet — salmon with grits and greens, and fruit-covered pancakes with smoked ham were among the hits.
A paddles-up raffle sale resulted in an instant $5,000 raised for R4S's Delivering Hope mission, and the adorable daughters of the day's chairs, Jen and James Cunningham, drew for prizes that included shopping sprees, cooking classes and more.
Jen Cunningham with Virginia McMullen and Kristin Blomquist
Aashish Parehk, Rudy Guerra & RJ Jenkins with Gracie Cavnar
The team from Le Jardinier
Lyndsey Zorich
Models wearing Magpies & Peacocks
Greg Martin, Felipe Botero, Gracie, Lucas McKinney, Mary Cuclis, Juan Gonzalez, Karla Espinosa
Miya Shay and Vanessa McGowan
Virginia McMullen with daughters Elizabeth and Vivienne
The Cunningham family
Mostly Chocolate
The Spa and Nail Bar is ready to pamper Mom with a relaxing Precious Petals body scrub and massage, manicure or pedicure with healing sunflower and grape seed oils. Afterwards, perhaps she would like to pick out a new fragrance or candle at the onsite Krigler perfume boutique.
Slow down and take the time with Mom over tea at this boutique downtown hotel. May 11 and 12, Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea is on offer with seatings at noon and 2:30pm. Celebrate with various tea sandwiches, fresh baked scones with Devonshire cream, homemade jam and lemon curd and ends with a presentation of patisserie with some special festive Mother’s Day touches paired with one of their fine teas. Adults are $89 per person and children are $59.
Luliet’s Parisian Picnic Celebration is much simpler than hopping a plane. TheParisian Picnic package includes a Berry Basket cake, creme brulee, pot de creme, six assorted Mother's Day flavored macarons, and Meringue Rosettes. Besides the picnic, delightful French Mother’s Day Macarons are available in half a dozen and dozen in flavors like honey lavender, chocolate truffle, vanilla rose, and more. Sweets for the sweet!
If you live on the West side of Houston, this family-owned and operated shop will become your go-to for decadent chocolates, other sweets and catering. Its luxurious Mother’s Day box complete with four brand-new bonbon flavors: Maple Pecan, Almond Pistachio, Brown Butter Caramel and Cherry Vanilla. Mostly Chocolate’s artisanal bonbons are handcrafted by award-winning head chocolatier Dany Kamkhagi. Gift boxes of bonbons are available in 12, 16, 25 or 36 pieces ranging from $21-$105. Heart-shaped Cookies & Cream Clusters also available for Mother’s Day.
Looking for a Mother's Day gift that's more "wow!" than flowers or crowds? Say "I love you" with the gift of self-care from The Organic Skin Co.’s natural and organic skincare products to leave Mom feeling radiant and recharged. Meet the basics Vitamin Sea, The Dream Cream and The Good Oil. The quality products are affordable and can be purchased at Amazon, Sprouts — and even Costco!
Looking for a pampering experience for Mom all in one place this Mother's Day? Three of Stomping Grounds' tenants, Tulum Wellness Spa, Paint Nail Bar and Sonoma Wine & Cheese, have teamed up to create a Serenity & Sips package of beauty, wellness and wine. Start with the Classic Pedicure including a complimentary enhancement from Paint Nail Bar, with a 60-minute custom massage or facial with a complimentary enhancement from Tulum Wellness Spa. Then indulge in a Women Winemaker Flight featuring Sonoma's sparkling rosé, sauvignon blanc, and red blend wines, along with a cheese tasting. The package is $225 per person, with a bonus $100 complimentary value, for a total value of $325.
It’s easy to pick a beautiful piece of jewelry Mom will always cherish at this stunning Post Oak store. Zadok Collection gold pendants enchant with diamond cluster butterflies, rainbow sapphire hearts, triple stars and more. Hoop huggie earrings, studs and delicate bracelets will become everyday favorites, but anticipate thousands of other choices here. Peruse the Mother’s Day trunk show May 10 and 11 for the perfect gift.