A Whimsical Afternoon at the Westin Galleria Raising Money for Child Advocates

This year’s luncheon, led by chair Jane Johnson featured a Neiman Marcus fashion show with ready-to-wear holiday attire. The show featured decadent, sequin-adorned pieces that left guests swooning. Throughout the event guests leisurely shopped the Neiman Marcus pop-up and tried their luck at some exquisite raffle prizes. Raffle prizes included a $2,000 Neiman Marcus shopping spree, $5,000 Deutsch Fine Jewelry shopping spree and a New York fashion experience.

Child Advocates honored longtime supporter Caroline Finkelstein for her philanthropy, service and generosity toward the organization. Emcee Greg Bailey led the way to introduce the honoree, and Vince Velasquez spoke about his first-hand experience as an advocate and in detail about one case in particular. He shared how today the young man is self-sufficient, working to pursue a career in the armed forces and breaking the cycle of child abuse – something that may not have been possible without the guiding light of an advocate during his time in foster care.

The Angels of Hope Luncheon has become quintessential in promoting community awareness of the organization’s efforts and a festive way to ring in the holiday season. With the support of the community, Child Advocates continues their mission of helping abused and neglected children in Harris County through the recruiting and training of court appointed advocates.

Overall, the 2022 Angels of Hope Luncheon and Fashion Presentation raised over $317,000 with raffle ticket sales alone raising more than $44,000. Child Advocates anticipates even more successful luncheons in the future with the help of the community and longtime supporters.

Child Advocates mobilizes court-appointed volunteers to break the vicious cycle of child abuse. They speak up for abused children who are lost in the system and guide them into safe environments where they can thrive.

Our court-appointed volunteers are at the heart of Child Advocates' mission and are shining examples of ordinary individuals making an extraordinary impact in the lives of abused and neglected children of Harris County. Our 30-hour training course is offered monthly and prepares our volunteers for this incredible experience. All potential volunteers are required to go through this training, along with interviews and thorough background checks including, Local Criminal, National Criminal, CPS and National Sex Offender checks.