A special afternoon with AMIGOS:
2022 Lifelong Leaders Luncheon Annual Houston Benefit Recap
The 2022 Lifelong Leaders Luncheon Annual Houston Benefit was a great success! More than 200 guests came together at Hotel ZaZa in Houston on Friday, November 4th. It was a true celebration full of smiles, connection, and inspiration.
The event raised nearly $110,000, which will provide critical funds for AMIGOS programs and Access Program fund. Thank you to all the event sponsors, donors, host committee members, and attendees. We are encouraged by your support of AMIGOS programs and students.
Lifelong Leaders Luncheon Benefit Highlights
The event showcased students who embarked on their experiences during AMIGOS 58th summer. Watch the video to see the AMIGOS mission of inspiring leaders put into perspective:
Perla Quintero, featured student speaker, shared her journey with AMIGOS, which began this year when her brother encouraged her to find a way to travel. Her journey took flight in a three-week summer program in Ecuador.
“ … I learned so much about myself. I now recognize my limits and don’t feel disappointed in them. I feel motivated to keep working on my weaknesses to make them my strengths. I understand with certainty that caring for and loving someone doesn’t require much time but requires the right people. I learned to love to farm, wake up early to see the sunrise, and feel the kind breeze in my hair every morning … ”
–Perla Quintero, Student Speaker, 2022 Alum
Sara Nathan, AMIGOS President & CEO, recognized Betsy Griffin, Trustee Emeritus. Betsy has been a strong advocate for building connections across borders for the organization for over four decades. During Betsy’s impactful tenure, 19,273 students completed an AMIGOS program.
Nationally recognized multi-ventured business owner and AMIGOS parent Tony Chase delivered an empowering speech on the importance of bringing people together from different backgrounds. Tony paid tribute to his father, John S. Chase, who was the first Black student at the University of Texas and first Black architect in the state of Texas. Tony highlighted his son Jojo’s journey to Panama with AMIGOS at age 15 and the curiosity about the world it created.
Guests had a great time playing the luncheon raffle, which was a fun new addition to the program. Raffle winners received prizes ranging from a gift card for the popular H-Town Restaurant Group to a champagne buddle and a special stay at the Hotel ZaZa.
We thank all attendees for joining us and supporting the 2022 Lifelong Leaders Luncheon Benefit. Together, we advanced the AMIGOS mission in 2022 and beyond.
Lifelong Leaders Luncheon Benefit Sponsors
Thoughtleader
Kellie and Chad Motsinger
Samantha Schnee and Michael Hafner
MAS Restaurant Group
Catalyst
Betsy and Fred Griffin
Kendall and Carlos Solé
Dykema
Visionary
Jane Schussler and Mike King
Barrett Sides
Westwood Trust
White & Case
Believer
Allyson and Steve Cook
Viviana and David Denechaud
Linda and Phil Johnson
Donna and Wade Lamson
Laura and Steve Otillar
Mariela Poleo and Alfredo Sabal
Ilene and Bart Putterman
Susana and Steve Sharpe
Brombacher & Co. Properties
Higginbotham Insurance Agency
NX Media
Hero
Cat McKay and Mark Bethell
Matt Werner
Leader
Jill and Jason Assir
Amy Becker Barelas and Joseph Barelas
Pamela and Kenneth Guidry
Rachel and Travis King
Lifelong Leaders Luncheon Benefit Co-Chairs
Kellie and Chad Motsinger
Laura and Steve Otillar
Samantha Schnee and Michael Hafner
Kendall and Carlos Solé
Lifelong Leaders Benefit Host Committee
Cathy Arnold
Jill and Jason Assir
Amy Becker Barelas and Joseph Barelas
Suky and Ed Cazier
Allyson and Steve Cook
Viviana and David Denechaud
Eric Donnelly
Kate and Andy Green
Rachel and Travis King
Robin and Kevin Lanier
Rob Lee
Cat McKay and Mark Bethell
Mariela Poleo and Alfredo Sabal
Cathi and Scott Roberts
Barrett Sides
Matt Werner
Katherine and Mark Yzaguirre
