New beginnings

Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA) held its inaugural New Beginnings luncheon at the Junior League of Houston. Beth Wolff, Sippi Khurana, and Jenny Todd (pictured, from left) attended the first-time, sold-out event that raised more than $300,000 for domestic-abuse survivors, chaired by Sarah Barrett, Jessica Leeke, Alexis Smith, and Rachel Delaney. Emcee Courtney Zavala welcomed the crowd and introduced AVDA chief executive officer Maisha Colter, who gave an update on AVDA’s services. Maisha then introduced Ambassador of Advocacy honoree Stephanie von Stein Schusterman, who is a member of the AVDA board of directors and a dedicated volunteer. The luncheon keynote speaker was former journalist and best-selling author Janine Latus, who shared her personal experience with domestic violence. At the end of the event, guests took home their own “new beginning” by creating a custom plant from Succulent Bar. 

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