The upscale River Oaks District provided the chic setting for the Holly Rose Ribbon Foundation’s (HRRF) Run for the Roses warm-up party on April 12, 2017. It was the foundation’s most ambitious kickoff to date. This year, the occasion honored Therese Landa, one of Houston’s most devoted philanthropists. Honorary chairs were Cindi Harwood Rose, Dr. Franklin Rose, Jennifer Simmons Lazzari, and Lily Paxson.

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The evening was made possible by the hospitality of Les Copains Boutique’s Jennifer Simmons Lazzari and the support of Houston's hottest fashion destination, the River Oaks District. Transformed into a springtime garden with dazzling pink and green floral arrangements and décor curated by Rexberry Luxury Events and coordinated by HRRF Executive Director Lily Paxson, the venue welcomed over 200 guests. Tantalizing tastes were provided by David Alcorta Catering, and music wizard DJ Bradley David spun the musical accompaniment for attendees walking the green carpet of the step and repeat.

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The Kentucky Derby is only a couple of weeks away, and everyone at the kickoff event was filled with anticipation for it and the Mint Juleps and Jodhpurs viewing event the Holly Rose Foundation will host. This year’s event will mark its tenth anniversary. "The idea is to get people thinking in April about the magic we create together for the Kentucky Derby watch party in May, which is just around the corner! We have partnered with Houstonia Magazine for the past several years to bring the most exciting Kentucky Derby experience to Houston. Currently, we are working with the stellar team at Rexberry Luxury Events to ensure our 10th annual viewing party will be our greatest party to date, with more chic surprises and grand entertainment than ever before," says Paxson. 

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A rousing success, the event realized ticket sales of over half those available for the foundation’s highly anticipated Tenth Annual Kentucky Derby viewing party, Mint Juleps and Jodhpurs. The place to be for Kentucky Derby viewing this year will be the luxurious Palm Restaurant from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on May 06, 2017.

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Guests: HRRF Founders Cindi and Dr. Franklin Rose, Dr. Monica Patel, Angelica Chapman, Nicole Fertitta, Claudia Sierra, Kimberly Lane, Ella Markovsky, Christine Tabrizi, Beth Cassidy, J. Michael Soliz, Bruce Padilla, Gregg Harrison, Dr. Adam LeBlanc, Marc Harvey, Riyad Abu-Taha, Roland Garcia, Ben Pickell, Nancy Marcus Golden, Erica Gillum, Dr. Sophia Barnes, Gonzalo Filgueira, Salvador Flores Gill, Margarita Grillo, Azar Talleghany, Rachel Tagliere, Mary Jo Rapini, Dr. Allison Jensen, and Dr. Jack Jensen.

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About the Holly Rose Ribbon Foundation

The Holly Rose Ribbon Foundation is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit that provides 100 percent free reconstructive surgery to dozens of uninsured and underinsured post-cancer patients each year. The foundation also offers college scholarships to cancer survivors and those who have lost a parent to cancer. As well, the foundation provides arts in medicine activities for children currently undergoing cancer treatment at area hospitals, as well as many other services.

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For more information on the Holly Rose Ribbon Foundation, please visit our website at:

http://hollyroseribbon.org/