Heart Ball makes a red hot fashion statement

By Shelby Hodge

February 16th, 2010 at 12:14 PM

Fashionistas, take note: Red could be the new black. It certainly was in the ballroom of the Hilton Americas-Houston Saturday night for the American Heart Association's Heart Ball. It seemed that two out of every three women dressed in a fiery hue.

What a stunning tableau the rainbow of reds made across the rose-filled ballroom. We loved the varieties ranging from the apple red worn by community honoree Lilly Andress (who shared the spotlight with husband Thurmon Andress) to the rich burgundy of the gown worn by decor/dinner chair Philamena Baird. Standout lovelies adopting the heart-felt color theme included Diane Lokey Farb, accenting her red gown with emeralds and diamonds, and Margaret Williams, coordinating the red in her gown with dazzling ruby and diamond necklace and earrings.

But this night was about far more than mere fashion. The black-tie evening raised in excess of $1.2 million for AHA coffers, no small feat in this chilly economy. Applause, applause for gala chairs Debbie and Steve Letwin, Enbridge Energy Partners' executive vice president, and for the influential honorees. Taking bows were corporate honoree Noble Energy, represented by CEO Chuck Davidson, medical honoree Dr. James Grotta and the Andresses. (Thurmon Andress is managing director of Breitburn Energy. Both he and Lilly have a long history of volunteerism and philanthropy.)

Back to the fashion picture, women wearing black were actually the exception on this rare night and among them were a glamorous contingent including Janet Gurwitch, Frann Lichtenstein (well, black and white), Cynthia Allshouse and Jan Duncan.

Among the headiners were AHA Guild president Roz Pactor and husband Alan, Trini Mendenhall-Sosa and Frank Sosa, Susan and Dick Hansen, Leisa Holland-Nelson, Judy and Bobby Shackouls, Carol and Mike Sharpe, Kim and Dan Tutcher.