On the evening of Tuesday, April 17, 2018, Connie Kwan-Wong, founder and publisher of CKW LUXE magazine, welcomed invited guests, dignitaries, and honorees to The Ballroom at Bayou Place for CKW LUXE’s third anniversary and Star Awards presentation. The Star Awards are bestowed on exceptional and inspiring women and youth who have made a significant contribution to their community. The emcee for the Venice-themed event was former KHOU news anchor Lily Jang.

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Guests arrived to find the exquisite venue magnificently transformed. Thanks to the deftness and ingenuity of Kirksey Gregg Productions, the Ballroom at Bayou Place, and M&V Productions everyone spent a magical evening in Venice. Elaborate opera masks, Venetian backdrops, a replicated gondola, and greeters and musicians dressed in Venetian costumes from the Performing Arts Supply Company created the perfect mood.

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During the glittering Champagne reception, which opened the evening, guests were treated to the awe-inspiring feats of a beautiful Champagne aerialist.

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The main event of the evening, the presentation of the Star Awards, followed. Houston City Council Member Amanda Edwards extended congratulations to the honorees from Mayor Sylvester Turner. CKW LUXE was honored to have District Director of the 22nd Congressional District of Texas, Christian Bionat, and Houston City Councilman Michael Kubosh present the honorees with their awards. To make the evening even more memorable, each honoree also received congressional recognition and a certificate from the City of Houston.

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The recipients of the 2018 CKW LUXE Star Awards were:

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Inspiring Women Awards

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Aquarian Award : Margaret Alkek Williams

This is the first time CKW LUXE has presented this special award.

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Lifetime North Star Award: The Honorable Joanne King Herring

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Astral Light Award: Robin Angly

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Youth Awards

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Pop Star Award: Mevsim Denktas

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Fireball Award: Ian Gunther

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Shooting Star Award: Jordan Fein and Lauren Elie

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A delicious sit-down dinner, provided by Elegant Events and Catering by Michael, was served after the awards were presented. To conclude the celebration, guests were entertained by an outstanding aerial performance delivered by Rogue Aerial Arts accompanied by the inspiring string quartet brought together by Ars Lyrica. It was the perfect end to an amazing night of singular memories. To top it all off, guests went home with a Chopard gift bag filled with scented Chopard candles.

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Guests: Farida Abjani; Susan Boggio; Zane Carruth; Consul General of Pakistan, Aisha Farooqui; Mary and Mark D’Andrea; Tatiana and Guillermo Galitzine; Thomas and Veronica Kuranoff; Perryn Leech; Rhonda Sweeney; Stephanie Von Stein; Gina Gaston; Miya Shay; Kelli Cohen Fein; Brigitte Kalai; John Mangum; Megan Bailey; Shamika Johnson; Mary Ann and David McKeithan; Sidney Faust; Jim Nelson; Nelson Bowman; and Dean and Jane Gladden. 

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CKW LUXE would like to thank its sponsors, BMW Southwest Houston, The Ballroom at Bayou Place, Elegant Events and Catering by Michael, Overture Tanglewood, Kirksey Gregg Productions, M&V Decorations, Dr. William and Teresa Reading, Chopard, and Amy’s Luxury Med Spa for making the evening a huge success.