Friends, family members and supporters gathered as Neiman Marcus hosted a celebration and crowning event for the Ms. Wheelchair Texas Foundation. Michelle Colvard, the reigning Ms. Wheelchair Texas, was crowned Ms. Wheelchair America on July 26, 2008 and because of the numerous responsibilities that require her time and presence across the country, a new Ms. Wheelchair Texas was crowned. First runner up, Dr. Staci Moss of Lubbock, Texas, will assume the duties of Ms Wheelchair Texas. Dr. Staci Moss is a licensed pharmacist in the state of Texas and uses a wheelchair for 100% of her daily mobility. Both women serve as outstanding advocates and role models for people with disabilities.

Hundreds of women packed a ballroom at the Houstonian Hotel for the Susan G. Komen Survivor Party. The annual affair celebrates Breast Cancer survivors and this year I was honored to serve as emcee. Standing at the podium I was overjoyed looking out at all the faces of those who had faced breast cancer and those who are still fighting. One of the highlights from the evening came when I had the pleasure of introducing Viola Kaplan who is 89 years young and has 43 years as a breast cancer survivor, I have to tell you she is one of the coolest 89 year olds that I have ever met. I also got a chance to see one of my middle school classmates, Tarshia Boutte, who is celebrating her first year as a breast cancer survivor.

As one of the honorary chairs for this year's Race for The Cure I invite you to come out and join us on Saturday, October 4th as we walk to raise funds and awareness to help in the fight against Breast Cancer. www.komen-houston.org

Miller Outdoor Theatre was rocking as the Community Music Center of Houston presented Women in Jazz featuring Freda Payne. The evening started with jazz selections from the Conrad Johnson Orchestra then Houston's own Carolyn Blanchard joined them for a musical salute to Dinah Washington. Following Carolyn's performance the legendary Freda Payne took to the stage and took us on a musical journey with a salute to Ella Fitzgerald. It was great to watch true entertainers as they captivated the audience and paid tribute to jazz greats. www.cmchhouston.org

To make sure that kids start the school year off right Families Under Urban and Social Attack sponsored a Children's Health Day Celebration. The event was held simultaneously at Northwest and Almeda Malls on Saturday, August 23. Parents were invited to bring their children out to receive free immunizations, CHIPS enrollment, backpacks, school supplies and much more. I served as emcee for the Northwest Mall location where I got a chance to meet a young musician and a group of aspiring praise dancers, all of which did a great job with their performances. www.fuusa.org

Let the Fashions Begin held their Annual Men of Style announcement party on Thursday, August 21st at the Oceanaire Seafood Room. The reception serves as a kickoff for the annual Men of Style Gala that recognizes some of Houston's most fashionable and philanthropic men. Founded by Judge Clarease Yates, Let the Fashions Begin is non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and funds to help in the fight against Sickle Cell Anemia. A few of this year's honorees include Russell Richard, Manager of Consumer Affairs for Kroger; Judson Robinson, Former City Councilman and President of the Houston Area Urban League along with Francis Page Jr., Owner and Publisher of Houston Style Magazine. www.letthefashionsbegin.com

Thanks Houston for your support of the 2008 CW39 School Supply Drive. Presented by Papa John's Pizza Houstonians helped raise $5,000 towards the purchase of school supplies for children waiting to be adopted through the Adoptation program. On Monday, August 18th Keith Sullins of Papa John's presented the "big check" to Adoptation Managing Director Laurie Glaze. It's estimated that the funds will provide supplies for more than 150 children.

For nine years CW39 has partnered with Adoptation to help find children loving homes and in that time more than 5,000 children have been adopted. Although we have been successful there are still 1,500 children still waiting. If you are interested or for more information on adoption www.adoptation.org

Following the check presentation we were invited to join the Papa John's team and make our own pizzas. CW39 Vice President and General Manager Roger Bare joined in and I have to tell you we all had a great time. I have included a few of the highlights.

OK, so it's not mine but it sure does look good :-)

Britney Benjamin, Cleverley Stone and Ricardo Molina

The organizers of Houston Restaurant Week kicked off the weeklong celebration with a spectacular party on Sunday, August 10th. The event was a food and wine tasting held at three of Houston's premiere restaurants the Oceanaire Seafood Room, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse and GiGi's Asian Bistro. Guests were given the opportunity to stroll between restaurants sampling great food and wine from Texas area wineries. www.houstonrestaurantweek.com

2008 Sugar Land Superstar Melanie Finley

The final round of Sugar Land Superstar was held on Saturday, August 9th and Fort Bend county resident Melanie Finley walked away with the title. The dynamic songstress blew away the crowd with her rendition of a Whitney Houston classic. As the new Sugar Land Superstar Melanie will be the featured performer at the Sugar Land Town Square Christmas Tree lighting and other Fort Bend County events. www.sugarlandtownsquare.com

(l-r) 2nd Runner up Renee Miura, Melanie Finley and 1st Runner up Megan Whitfield. Top row Judge Michael Garfield

Five-A president Ramon Manning and his lovely wife Karen

The African American Art Advisory Association (Five-A) held their 2008 Gala and Auction on Saturday, August 2nd at the Houston Museum of Fine Arts. The live auction showcased 15 distinctive works of African American art with proceeds going to support the expansion of the museum's permanent collection of African and African American art. Mrs. Wendy and Dr. John Codwell served as the dinner chairs while art enthusiasts Ms. Melanie Lawson and John Guess were the honorees. www.mfah.org

Yohance Turk and I had a great time at the event.

Gala Chairs Wendy and Dr. John Codwell posing wth Anita Smith

Bryce Kennard and Gabrielle Gunn

Mrs. Phyllis Williams

The Honorable Hillary and Ronald Green

Fort Bend County Commissioner Grady Prestage celebrated his 50th Birthday surrounded by family, friends and supporters. Commissioner Prestage hosted a down home affair at Jazz It Up Cafe in Missouri City. A native of Louisiana the commissioner and his family prepared a buffet of southern delicacies’ including gumbo, fried chicken, mustard greens, and shrimp Creole and shrimp ettouffe.

Grady Prestage (Right) poses with a supporter