It was fun, it was fashion – it was Derby Day at Society Prosper’s “Healing in Bloom” fundraiser held May 2 at The Ark by Norris, 21402 Merchants Way in Katy. Attendees turned out in their colorful spring attire – including fashionable hats worthy of the Kentucky Derby itself – to raise money for the nonprofit which is dedicated to ending the cycle of child abuse through providing awareness programs, community partnerships and therapeutic access for children who need additional support and resources.

Emcee Melissa Wilson, a health reporter for Fox 26 Morning News, presided over a fashion show that included offerings from local shops Monica Marie Boutique, Ethan and Emily and Teal Poppy. Volunteer models included the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce’s Adrienne Davitz, realtor Ashley Guidry, Humble Grounds Coffeehouse owner Becca Speed, teacher and coach Dee Jones, Jessica Lewis from Redfield Energy, Jillian Wells of Bella Bakery, Katrina Katsarellis of Katy Magazine and Kim Lewis of Phoenix Industrial Tech. Teen models included Avalynn Davitz, Kaylee Langham, Reese Guidry, Olivia Mann and Sophia Mann.

Celebrity waiters serving the 150 guests were KPRC meteorologist Anthony Yanez, City of Katy Mayor Pro Tem Chris Harris, Daniel Langham of USA Mortgage, Fulshear Mayor Don McCoy, Katy Mayor Dusty Thiele, KPRC news anchor Keith Garvin, Kevin Wann of Texas Borders Bar & Grill, Michael Pena of USA Mortgage, Savack Saradjian of Sonoma Wine Bar and Todd Mann of Mann Group Properties.

The live auction was led by Waller County Precinct 4 Commissioner Justin Beckendorff, initially assisted by McCoy. A silent auction featured stunning cakes decorated in the Derby theme, among other items.

Keynote speaker Jamie Williams, LPC, of Prosperity Counseling, described the impact that the therapy funded by Society Prosper can have on children recovering from abuse.

Society Prosper was founded in 2020 by Megan Langham to create safer families. The nonprofit will host its fifth annual “Casino Night” in September. To learn more about Society Prosper, go to www.societyprosper.org.