It was an SRO crowd that filled the Gathering Barn at Hope Farms for Recipe for Success Foundation's inaugural, Fashion in the Fields presented by Neiman Marcus. Over 400 HTX blossoming #ItMoms, hubs, family, friends, farm fans and Recipe for Success devotees turned out despite ominous skies for a day of fashion, food and fun. The event raised more than $200,000 towards RFS's mission to combat childhood obesity by changing the way children understand, appreciate and eat their food.
Recipe for Success Founder and CEO, Gracie Cavnar was front and center welcoming one and all to the event that featured a Neiman Marcus fashion show and a jaw dropping southern' inspired brunch by Culinaire. She was the first to quip that the overwhelming looks seen on the ladies was "farm girl cold weather chic", music, walk-abouts and shopping capped off a day that was anything but ordinary!
The inauguration of the Robert and Janice McNair children's garden kicked off the day. This interactive space is used by Hope Farms to educate and inspire even the youngest of future farmers. It was filled from start to end of day with kids and parents who delighted in new play equipment and activities.
Guests entered the Gathering Barn where they found the Farm's Market Stand transformed into a chic boutique. Featuring a Recipe for Success "Farm Store" and a Neiman Marcus pop-up with Dolce&Gabbana Smeg Collection and Armenta Jewelry. Waiters stood at attention with trays of Bloody Mary's, mimosas and wine. Event Chairs Stephanie Fleck and Melissa Sugulas, both who share a long-standing commitment to the foundation, were thrilled at the support from their farm fans and chic chicks. Drawing smiles all around were the arrivals of the child "models" whose parents tried their best to wrangle - and for some included managing off sleep schedules of several drowsy young'uns.
Celebrity emcee, KPRC 2 - Houston Life anchor, Courtney Zavala welcomed the buzzy group to the event that kicked off with a Veteran's Day salute to the farms' own veteran farmer trainees Christopher Katthage and Jose Montemayor. Each took a turn on the runway to the applause of all. The trainees at Hope Farms work alongside the farm team as they learn the skills and knowledge to be urban farmers.
Cavnar and husband Bob awarded Chef Kevin Naderi of Roost as Chef of the Year. He was given the award for his unwavering support of the foundation, volunteering for more than a decade in the classroom, at dinners and for inspiring healthy eating in children.
Next it was time for the Neiman Marcus fashion show which was kicked off by half-pint models including the children of Courtney & Buck Baker, Amanda & Terry Boffone, Bobby & Kristen Cavnar, Julie Longoria & Stephen Chen, Elizabeth & Alexander Dwyer, Melissa Juneau, Lara Kopriva, Barbara & Lance McKnight and Courtney Zavala. When the professionals hit the runway, all eyes were on the posh showing of fall fashions titiled "The Art of Fashion."
All this must have made the crowd famished, as they made a beeline for the lavish brunch served in a separate venue featuring shabby chic inspired tables topped with mix and match vintage china and glassware, farm fresh florals and chandeliers made out of stag antlers. Live music by Socialite kept things festive as everyone tucked into plates of flower garden salads served family style at the table, buttermilk fried chicken, gulf shrimp crawfish, white cheddar grits, zucchini and sweet pepper frittatas, roasted & grilled farm vegetables, four bean salad and an array of fresh baked biscuits and muffins. A three-tiered display of cupcakes had even the most stringent diner off their diets.
The day concluded with Gracie's gentle prompting for funds to support the Foundation and Hope Farms programs. Allison Casey adopted a veteran for a month and John Lindley bought a fruit tree in honor of his wife, Cherie. Zavala and Cavnar drew turns with the Live Raffle drawing that featured 1836 Olive Oil, Dolce&Gabbana Gourmet Collection and an Armenta Jewelry bracelet and necklace.
SPECIAL THANKS TO - Neiman Marcus,1836 Olive Oil, Armenta, Brothers Produce, Culinare, Dr. Mark's Zo Skin Care, Peerless Tents, Saint Arnolds Brewing Company, Smiles Gone Wild, Socialite Entertainment and Titos Handmade Vodka.
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