2026 RISE Luncheon
Thank You!
Thanks to your inspiring support, nearly 300 guests attended our 10th Annual RISE Luncheon on April 14, 2026 at the Junior League of Houston. It was an event unlike any other raising more than $300,000! We witnessed what happens when a community chooses to rise together and seek restoration. Inspired by the themes of transformation in butterflies and the promise of a meaningful harvest, this year's gathering was a clear view of what success in recovery looks like. Santa Maria's board, staff, and volunteers are sincerely thankful for the donors and partners who made this event a success.
A special message from Dee Gelsomini, 2026 RISE Luncheon Chair
Our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated Luncheon Host Committee members who helped bring the event to life. Their leadership strengthened every detail of the day. From thoughtful planning to meaningful engagement, they ensured the event reflected the heart of Santa Maria’s mission: to empower women to live healthy successful, productive, and self-fulfilling lives.
Sarah Callahan Baker, Patrick Carmichael, Dawn Peek Crawford, Laura Easton, Alberto Garza, Jenny Bosby George, Gabriela Gerhart, Doug Hidalgo, Jennifer LeGrand Howard, George Joseph, Reinnette & Stan Marek, Chau Nguyen, Heather Nichols, Juanita Parker, Elizabeth Perez, Vanetta & Mike Peterson, Julie Platek, Cory Roclawski, Elizabeth Rogers, Lisa Roth, Frank Rynd, Elizabeth Schiffer, Deidre Shearer Solymosy, Leslie Viswanathan, Felice Woods and Deborah & Claude Wynn — we are deeply grateful for your time and unwavering belief in the women and families we serve.
One of the most powerful moments of the luncheon was hearing from Santa Maria alumna Jessica Yeager, BSW, NCPRSS, PSS, PRS/ICPR, RSPS, who shared how Santa Maria provided not only treatment, but hope on her path to becoming an award winning Social Worker and Sr. Program Manager at UTHealth Houston. In a remarkable full-circle moment, Judge Brock Thomas, who once presided over her case, also spoke about the vital role of specialty courts and community-based treatment partners. Both of them are a moving testament to justice paired with compassion and the lasting harvest of sustained support.
With Chaun Vaughn serving as an engaging emcee the program moved with intention. She guided the room by introducing powerful stories and invited the guests to respond generously, raising $30,000 during the event.
Jeanne Rutherford Norsworthy Founders Award
IKON Kids received the inaugural Jeanne Rutherford Norsworthy Founders Award, recognizing its steadfast dedication to supporting children and families on their path toward stability and healing. Each month, they spend time with the women and children in our Women with Children program. Whether it’s sharing a meal together, praying together, or enjoying a bouncy house together, they help create space for families to connect and feel encouraged.
Marek Family Impact Award
This year, we are honored to recognize Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas with the inaugural Marek Family Impact Award for their incredible partnership through the Special Beginnings Program. Through their meaningful investment in maternal and infant health, including vital support for our Central Texas campus, they have expanded access to quality care and improved health outcomes that allows women and families to flourish.
Vaughan Gilmore, Santa Maria CEO
As the program drew to a close, excitement filled the room for the raffle drawing, with guests eagerly awaiting the announcement of the winners. We are especially grateful to Jennifer LaGrand Howard, Forney Construction and The Motherhood Center for their generous prize donations. The afternoon concluded with remarks from Santa Maria CEO Vaughan Gilmore, who touched on the urgent need to expand our reach and serve even more women and families seeking hope and healing.
Your support is crucial to the lives and success of the women and families in our care. None of this life-changing work would be possible without your generosity. If you were unable to give during the event, you can still make an impact by clicking here: Give
