Suits for Shelters Launched with Think Pink Party

Mary Kay Inc. and Tootsies hosted a “Think Pink Launch Party,” kicking off the sixth annual Suits for Shelters program, on Thursday, July 10 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Maleiah and Ryan Rogers welcomed over 150 partygoers dressed in pink attire for a festive evening benefiting The Mary Kay FoundationSM. Attendees arrived with new and gently used women’s professional attire, shoes and accessories for local shelters -- quickly filling four clothing racks with their donations. Tootsies generously rewarded each donor with a $25 gift card as a thank you.



Kristen Hughey, Hailey Neher, Nicole Weeldreyer



While partygoers mingled and shopped, they sipped champagne and enjoyed delicious bites courtesy of Two Sisters Catering including Thai beef cucumber cups, lobster avocado endive spoons, citrus infused shrimp, beef tenderloin au poivre crostini, grilled portobello and red pepper satay, with chocolate covered strawberries for dessert.

As guests took their seats along the runway, Crayton Webb, vice president of corporate social responsibility and corporate communications, welcomed everyone and thanked them for attending and supporting Suits for Shelters. He then recognized the nine beneficiary organizations that had representatives serving as models for the upcoming fashion show: Attitudes and Attire, Brighter Tomorrows, Denton County Friends of the Family, Genesis Women’s Shelter, Hope’s Door, Mosaic Family Service, New Beginning Center, The Battered Women’s Foundation and The Family Place. 

Sheryl Adkins-Green, Geoffrey Green

Ryan Rogers, Chief Investment Officer for Mary Kay Inc. whose grandmother founded the Mary Kay FoundationSM in 1996, took the podium and echoed Webb’s thanks before revealing the Foundation has granted $54 million dollars since its inception to organizations fighting cancers affecting women and shelters for survivors of domestic violence.



Hosts Ryan and Maleiah Rogers

“I think that most women can feel transformed by a new outfit. I’ve seen it happen in my own home and I’m sure that most of you here tonight know what I’m talking about,” remarked Rogers, “It’s our hope that in some small way we can help a woman gain financial freedom, independence and a life free from abuse.”

Jan Langbein, Travis Armayor, Jennifer Armayor

Rogers then reminded guests that this year’s event included a raffle, with tickets on sale through the end of the fashion show and the winners announced immediately following. Raffle prizes included a Mary Kay gift basket with $500 Tootsies gift card, a Mary Kay gift basket with $100 Tootsies gift card and a grand prize with the winner getting to select a women’s organization in Dallas to receive a $5,000 donation. 

Kathleen Donovan, Holly Heft

The runway show began with emcee, WFAA-TV’s Cynthia Izaguirre, introducing the beautiful models from Suits for Shelters beneficiaries as they proudly walked the catwalk in gorgeous fashions, featuring summer trends, as well as clothing and accessories in all shades of pink. 

Hosts Ryan and Maleiah Rogers returned to the podium for one final announcement - the winners of the raffle prizes. Grand prize winner Lt. Miguel Sarmiento chose Genesis Women's Shelter as the beneficiary of the $5,000 donation.

Rebecca Gibson, Abby Frank, emcee Cynthia Izaguerri, WFAA-TV, Katharine

Bain, Maggie Newton and Kirsten Gappelberg

As the evening came to a close, partygoers received a signature Mary Kay gift bag perfect for summer with Mary Kay sun screen, after sun gel and lip balm.