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Where Fashion Meets Philanthropy: 2025 Conversations with an ICON
The Houston Symphony League proudly hosted its 5th Annual Conversations with an ICON Luncheon on Wednesday, March 26, at the Houston Country Club. This year’s event, honored the renowned Saks Fifth Avenue, a valued partner and long-time supporter of the Houston Symphony League, reminiscent of the wildly successful annual Maestro Luncheon & Fashion Show of the 90’s.
The event featured Heidi Turney, Vice President and General Manager of Saks Fifth Avenue, Houston. Guests enjoyed an engaging conversation between Ms. Turney and acclaimed journalist Shelby Hodge, who was also honored as the League’s Icon in 2023. The conversation was followed by an impressive Spring fashion show, orchestrated by expert stylist, Jeanne Ruberti for Saks Fifth Avenue, which beautifully showcased the elegance and creativity that both institutions are known for.
Co-chairs and long-time supporters of the Houston Symphony, Brigitte Kalai and Farida Abjani, delivered a heartfelt tribute to community leadership, creativity, and volunteerism as they recognized three exemplary Houstonians:
- Hallie Vanderhider & Bobby Dees – Community Honorees, recognized for their longstanding commitment to education, the arts, and philanthropy across numerous organizations.
- Beth Wolff – Houston Symphony League Honoree, celebrated for her groundbreaking leadership of Houston real estate and her unwavering support of the League and many charitable and civic initiatives.
League President Heidi Rockecharlie recognized the extraordinary efforts of the League’s many volunteers, and shared highlights of their remarkable accomplishments this year, including record membership growth, the implementation of a cost-cutting event sponsorship program, enriching the Icon fundraising concept, and ongoing support for the Houston Symphony’s education and outreach initiatives, which are projected to reach more than 350,000 individuals this season—over 130,000 of whom are children. She also recognized Honorary Committee Chair, Lesha Elsenbrook for her long-standing dedication to the League.
Proceeds from the luncheon directly benefit the Houston Symphony’s industry-leading Education and Community Engagement programs, including in-school residencies, the Music and Wellness initiative, the In Harmony program, and the Harry and Cora Sue Mach Student Concert Series.
“Today was a celebration of those who give back,” said President Rockecharlie. “We are deeply grateful for everyone who made this day possible and for all who continue to support our world-class, Grammy Award-winning Symphony Orchestra. Together, we are making music—and a difference.”
Thank you to PaperCity, The Social Book, CultureMap and The Buzz Magazines for the coverage of this event.
Excerpt from The Buzz Magazines
Good tempo. The major keys were Brigitte Kalai and Farida Abjani, who chaired the Fifth Annual Conversations with an ICON Luncheon at Houston Country Club benefiting the Houston Symphony League. With rhythm and harmony, president Heidi Rockecharlieconducted a score of the League’s accomplishments and outreach initiatives, with projections to reach more than 350,000 individuals this season, over 130,000 of whom are children. Guests enjoyed an engaging repertoire between ICON honoree Heidi Turney (VP and GM of longtime supporter Saks Fifth Avenue) and journalist Shelby Hodge, who were followed by models in spring clothes from Saks Fifth Avenue. Three exemplary Houstonians Hallie Vanderhider, Bobby Dees, and Beth Wolff were honored for their rhapsody of unwavering support.
The 2025 Alyce Tostengard Crystal Cello
This Alyce Tostengard Crystal Cello Award was awarded at the Spring Membership Tea to 12-year Volunteer Houston Symphony League member, Jeffery Aron!
Jeff has become a fixture at Student and Family Concerts for the past 12 years as he was transitioning into his second retirement from a career in Electrical Engineering. A PhD, Jeff had an illustrious career working for Warner Communications, Norden and finally for Schlumberger, which afforded his family the joy of living in Paris. After an early retirement, he couldn’t sit still and went to work for Tuboscope and even after his second retirement he went into consulting using his in-depth knowledge of acoustics, which certainly comes in handy as a patron of the Houston Symphony.
After his second retirement, his wife, Rita, a long time Houston Symphony League volunteer told him about the acute need for more volunteers for Student Concerts and he rapidly stepped up to the challenge and even telling his consulting clients he would be late because he “was needed at that days Student Concerts”.
A fixture on the Texas Street side of Jones Hall, he knows that the more help you have in shepherding the kids into Jones Hall the smoother the day goes for everyone. He just enjoys the students and the Texas side of the street; so, he probably won’t quit volunteering any time soon.
Congratulations and we are so proud of Jeff and all he does for the Houston Symphony League.
Mary M. Fusillo-2024 Crystal Cello Award Winner
Where Fashion Meets Philanthropy: 2025 Conversations with an ICON
/in Event, News/by Tracie Welch-BrentonThe Houston Symphony League proudly hosted its 5th Annual Conversations with an ICON Luncheon on Wednesday, March 26, at the Houston Country Club. This year’s event, honored the renowned Saks Fifth Avenue, a valued partner and long-time supporter of the Houston Symphony League, reminiscent of the wildly successful annual Maestro Luncheon & Fashion Show of the 90’s.
The event featured Heidi Turney, Vice President and General Manager of Saks Fifth Avenue, Houston. Guests enjoyed an engaging conversation between Ms. Turney and acclaimed journalist Shelby Hodge, who was also honored as the League’s Icon in 2023. The conversation was followed by an impressive Spring fashion show, orchestrated by expert stylist, Jeanne Ruberti for Saks Fifth Avenue, which beautifully showcased the elegance and creativity that both institutions are known for.
Co-chairs and long-time supporters of the Houston Symphony, Brigitte Kalai and Farida Abjani, delivered a heartfelt tribute to community leadership, creativity, and volunteerism as they recognized three exemplary Houstonians:
League President Heidi Rockecharlie recognized the extraordinary efforts of the League’s many volunteers, and shared highlights of their remarkable accomplishments this year, including record membership growth, the implementation of a cost-cutting event sponsorship program, enriching the Icon fundraising concept, and ongoing support for the Houston Symphony’s education and outreach initiatives, which are projected to reach more than 350,000 individuals this season—over 130,000 of whom are children. She also recognized Honorary Committee Chair, Lesha Elsenbrook for her long-standing dedication to the League.
Proceeds from the luncheon directly benefit the Houston Symphony’s industry-leading Education and Community Engagement programs, including in-school residencies, the Music and Wellness initiative, the In Harmony program, and the Harry and Cora Sue Mach Student Concert Series.
“Today was a celebration of those who give back,” said President Rockecharlie. “We are deeply grateful for everyone who made this day possible and for all who continue to support our world-class, Grammy Award-winning Symphony Orchestra. Together, we are making music—and a difference.”
Thank you to PaperCity, The Social Book, CultureMap and The Buzz Magazines for the coverage of this event.
Excerpt from The Buzz Magazines
Good tempo. The major keys were Brigitte Kalai and Farida Abjani, who chaired the Fifth Annual Conversations with an ICON Luncheon at Houston Country Club benefiting the Houston Symphony League. With rhythm and harmony, president Heidi Rockecharlieconducted a score of the League’s accomplishments and outreach initiatives, with projections to reach more than 350,000 individuals this season, over 130,000 of whom are children. Guests enjoyed an engaging repertoire between ICON honoree Heidi Turney (VP and GM of longtime supporter Saks Fifth Avenue) and journalist Shelby Hodge, who were followed by models in spring clothes from Saks Fifth Avenue. Three exemplary Houstonians Hallie Vanderhider, Bobby Dees, and Beth Wolff were honored for their rhapsody of unwavering support.
The 2025 Alyce Tostengard Crystal Cello
/in Award/by Tracie Welch-BrentonThis Alyce Tostengard Crystal Cello Award was awarded at the Spring Membership Tea to 12-year Volunteer Houston Symphony League member, Jeffery Aron!
Jeff has become a fixture at Student and Family Concerts for the past 12 years as he was transitioning into his second retirement from a career in Electrical Engineering. A PhD, Jeff had an illustrious career working for Warner Communications, Norden and finally for Schlumberger, which afforded his family the joy of living in Paris. After an early retirement, he couldn’t sit still and went to work for Tuboscope and even after his second retirement he went into consulting using his in-depth knowledge of acoustics, which certainly comes in handy as a patron of the Houston Symphony.
After his second retirement, his wife, Rita, a long time Houston Symphony League volunteer told him about the acute need for more volunteers for Student Concerts and he rapidly stepped up to the challenge and even telling his consulting clients he would be late because he “was needed at that days Student Concerts”.
A fixture on the Texas Street side of Jones Hall, he knows that the more help you have in shepherding the kids into Jones Hall the smoother the day goes for everyone. He just enjoys the students and the Texas side of the street; so, he probably won’t quit volunteering any time soon.
Congratulations and we are so proud of Jeff and all he does for the Houston Symphony League.
Mary M. Fusillo-2024 Crystal Cello Award Winner