It Takes a Village


2017 Advisory Board members Christen and Dave Johnson, Mark Anthony Martinez, Eunice Soto, KK and Scott West, Amy West, Julissa Duran, Marji Strohmer, Cari Middaugh, LaDonna Marie, Debbie and Marvin Marcell, Dan and Amy Johnson, Jill and Jim Gibson and Doug, Susie and Scooter Goff.

The American Cancer Society is gearing up for this year’s Couture for the Cause on Saturday, October 14th at the Farmhouse at Harvest Green, a Johnson Development Community in Richmond. Doors open at 7 pm, and the show starts at 8 pm.

Back in 2009, The American Cancer Society was looking for a way to bring a different funding event to Fort Bend County. Behind the leadership of chairs Scott and KK West, Couture for the Cause was born. Truly community driven, Couture for the Cause takes a village. The highlight of every event is the fashion show, featuring couture models – many of whom are cancer patients or survivors – seizing their own opportunity to give back. This fashion show has been selflessly produced by Lenny Matuszewski with hair by Mark Anthony, his sister Eunice and team of Milagro Salons, makeup by LaDonna Marie of Sugar Land Face and Body Plastic Surgery and clothing by Dillard’s for many years.

It’s the theme that keeps Couture for the Cause fresh each year. Past themes have included the fabulous Italian theme La Dolce Vita, the fun masquerade party A Night in Versaille and the all-white, elegant party A White Haute Affair. And each year, Matuszewski does a fantastic job creating the fashion show and connecting it to the theme.

This year’s event will be just as fabulous. The theme is Garden Glitz, and the Farmhouse in Richmond’s Harvest Green is Houston’s first farm-centric community by Johnson Development. Time-honored favorites, including the fashion show and food stations from area restaurants, are part of the plan, as well as a wine pull, big board auction and a “Baubles & Bubbles” raffle sponsored by Marlene and Samir Dharia of Plaza Jewelers. Visit the Couture for the Cause Facebook page and vote for your favorite 3D image of a custom bauble to be made and raffled off the night of the event.

This year’s chairs are Monique Bossett, Susan Ley-Novosad, Debbie Marcell, Michelle Royster, Margot Sayre and Gina Pizzini. The themes and the venues have changed over the years, but the cause remains the same: to raise funds to eradicate cancer. Event tickets are $125. One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit The American Cancer Society and their mission.

For more information, contact Hannah Hogan at hannah.hogan@cancer.org or 713-706-5635.