Fort Bend Lifestyles and Homes Magazine Mar 2010: Elvis

dinner parties, comedy shows and travel to exotic locations, such as the Marquis Los Cabos, to sports packages will be available.

This “blast from the past” event will also feature ultimate costume contests. You don’t have to dress up, though, to enjoy the party. Come as you are and help the Women ’s Center raise the necessary funds for their clients.

“In 2009, our shelter days increased by over 50 percent and we had to turn away 585 adult victims requesting shelter ... due to lack of space. The recession and other factors have brought a higher demand for our services. We received over 30,000 calls last year, ” says Vita Goodell, executive director of the Women’s Center.

One vital step to setting the Women’s Center’s clients on the path toward self-sufficiency is securing decent affordable rental housing after their 90-day shelter emergency stay. This not only makes an immediate impact on the lives of the women but it creates the potential to develop long-term habits of self-reliance. In return, clients must participate in self-sufficiency programs such as job training, college degree programs, parental training, GED classes, counseling and other mental health services, if needed.

“We are very proud of the work the Women’s Center does. They are our charity of choice. The impact they are making in hundreds of lives each year is outstanding, ” says PCCA president Jim Smith.

If you’re an Elvis fan, come and join Boogie in celebrating his Diamond Jubilee. Attendees wil jumpsuit onto the birthday bash train, and remember, you are never too old to rock and roll.

Sponsorships range from $750 to $10,000. Individual tickets are $75. Steering committee members are also needed.

The Women’s Center mission is to assist survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and their children to achieve safety and self-sufficiency, while striving to prevent violence against women. For more information about the Center or the services it offers, call 281-494-4545.

Since the 1950s, legions of fans have thrilled to Elvis Presley’s memorable music. The King of Rock ’n Roll still has fans all shook up throughout the world. A 75th birthday bash presented by the Fort Bend County Women ’s Center and title sponsor, PCCA, commemorating Presley’s legacy will take place at the Stafford Center on March 27, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Boogie is the Women’s Center’s fabulous ‘50s and ’60s annual fundraiser expected to bring out more than 900 guests to shake, rattle and roll to the greatest hits of that era. Proceeds from the fundraiser provide emergency shelter, crisis intervention, counseling and other support services to victims of family violence and sexual assault and their children, helping them to achieve safety and self-sufficiency.

“We are creating a very unique event to commemorate this milestone in the Presley legacy. We will have a pink Cadillac full of ideas for this event, and we ’re hoping to have a whole lotta Elvis related items where Elvis’ legs wont be the only thing shaking at the Stafford Centre,” says Alina Gonzalez, event chair.

If you like to dance, if you like to watch a

great show and if you are looking for fun, then you are going to love Boogie. A hip shaking, lip-curling, first-class Elvis Tribute Artist by the name of Ralph Elizondo will provide pre-event entertainment. He is the No. 1 rated Elvis in Texas and in Houston and has performed before crowds of 10,000-15,000. Complementing Elizondo ’s performance, the Fred Astaire Studio professional dancers will swing to Jail House Rock and other famous tunes. Arrive early to see these dynamic entertainment that will leave you wanting more.

Back by popular demand will be Ro-Tel and the Hot Tomatoes band. The Hot Tomatoes are three dazzling female singers with big hair decked out in one outrageous costume after another. When the Hot Tomatoes dance, strut, sing and stomp, you ’re sure to have as much fun as the law allows.

An array of Elvis’ hit movies and music will be promoted throughout the decorations and auction items —from King Creole, Viva Las Vegas, Blue Hawaii, Blue Suede Shoes, Hound Dog and Return to Sender, just to name a few.

Safari Texas Ranch will provide the dinner. Silent and live auction items ranging from

“Thankyouverymuch!” from Graceland are Women’s Center’s supporters: (back row) Liz Welch, Chevron; “Elvis” cutout; Alina Gonzalez, Lowery Bank; and event chair; Heather Gould, Telfair by Newland Communities; David Sparks, CEO, PCCA; Michael Garfield, the High-Tech Texan radio and TV personality and event ’s master of ceremonies; Carl Favre, Roberts Markel PC, “Elvis” cutout, Judy Turpie, decorations chair; (front row) Gary Owens, Oyo Geospace; Jim Smith, president, PCCA; Joe Mandola, Perry ’s Steakhouse & Grille. Not pictured is Cynthia von Tesmar, Fluor; and Paul Silverman, ZK Homes.