Houston, TX – February 9,
2025 –
The Salvation Army Women’s
Auxiliary recently hosted a
spectacular kick-off party
at The Podium to build
excitement for their
upcoming fundraiser,
Reflections on Style “Fashion
in the Fast Lane”. The
event was generously
underwritten by Porsche
River Oaks. The event, held
in anticipation of the
highly-anticipated ROS Chic
Boutique and luncheon
fundraiser, took place with
over 80 distinguished guests
in attendance, including
Houston Area Commanders,
Majors Carolynn and Robert
Webb, Texas Divisionals
Leaders, Lt. Colonels Ann
and Art Penhale, Vicki West,
Maureen Higdon, Linda
McReynolds, Lilly Andress,
Ann Bookout, Stick Delaup,
Ann Ayre, Donae Chramosta,
Kaleta Blaffer Johnson,
Roslyn Bazzelle Mitchell,
Alice Mao Brams, Gracie
Cavnar, Elia Gabbanelli,
Marla Hurley, Debbie Festari,
Heather Almond, Cheryl
Byington, Crystal Robin,
Maria Moncada Alaoui, Rob
Dale, Carson Brown, Heidi
Turney, Allison Shell-Van
Koolwijk and many others.
The evening was graciously
hosted by Ann Ayre, Kaleta
Blaffer Johnson, and Donae
Chramosta, who welcomed
guests to an evening of
elegance, conversation on
how Houston fashionistas can
help by donating their
fabulous items to support
the boutique. The “Fashion
in the Fast Lane” event
will celebrate fashion,
philanthropy, and community
spirit while benefiting The
Salvation Army’s mission.
The sold-out luncheon and
shopping experience will
take place on Tuesday, April
8, 2025, at the River Oaks
Country Club. Beginning
April 9th the
Chic Boutique will open to
the public from 3 p.m. to 7
p.m. for a $20 entry fee.
April 10th through 12th the
boutique will be open from
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for no
fee. The ROS Chic Boutique
is located at 3403 Richmond
Ave. at the corner of
Buffalo Speedway.
This year’s theme, “Fashion
in the Fast Lane”,
underscores the timeless
elegance of fashion and its
power to unite women in
making a meaningful impact.
Just like the ever-evolving
world of fashion, the event
embodies the beauty and
function of both clothes and
cars—celebrating both modern
trends and the timeless
classics that remain ever
relevant.
The kick-off event gave a
preview of the exciting
shopping days to come, with
a lineup of dedicated
chairs, committee members,
and countless volunteers
working tirelessly to make
the event the annual success
it has been for the past 21
years:
-
Event Chair:
Ann Ayre
-
Honoree:
Hannah McNair
-
Chic Boutique Co-Chairs:
Alison Gemp and Melanie
Jarrell
-
Chic Boutique Showroom
Co-Chairs:
Stick Delaup
and Maura Montgomery
-
Fashion Chair:
Donae Chramosta
-
Silent Auction Chair:
Jean Peck
With the theme in mind, the
event is set to bring
together women from all
walks of life to enjoy an
inspiring day filled with
fashion, community, and
giving back. The funds
raised from “Fashion in
the Fast Lane” will
support The Salvation Army’s
ongoing efforts to serve
those in need across the
Houston community.