The Ambassadors' Club

I made it a policy in my life and in my profession, never to follow the norm and always set new trails by being creative and original in any and all of my campaigns.

When I founded the Ambassadors' Club in November 1996. One of my plans was to organize and coordinate an annual gala to celebrate our work, contributions to our community and celebrate our supporters by giving them something they've never experienced before.

Hence, The Ambassadors' Club Annual Soireé, dubbed "A Night to Remember." And, it has been A Night to Remember for thousands who attended our Soireés the past 8 years.

The original theme was to put together something totally different from the tens and tens of traditional galas that take place here in Houston. And for that matter, throughout the country.

When you go to most galas around the city. You will experience the same ole,’ same ole’.
You are received at a reception table by stressed out volunteers to assign you a table. Then you walk in with your guest to a reception area to have a glass of wine or a drink. If you were lucky to know a couple of guests, you will spend some time with them. If not, you are alone, on your own. You will walk around checking out silent auction items and then summoned to the ballroom for the start of the program and dinner.

During dinner, you are stranded at your table listening to long boring speeches and presentations. You eat your dinner and listen to more speeches. Followed by a clever auctioneer who pushes items on you that you don’t need or can afford. Then, and only then. The dance music might start and you are lucky if you have the stamina to have a couple of dances before you run home. Mostly by 10:30 or 11:0 p. m.

That’s not the case at our Soireé. Our format is totally different and original. We assembled a group of diversified people to establish our Host Committee. Our Hosts represent all segments of our community. All age groups, all ethnic backgrounds, all income brackets, all professions and all geographical areas. Our Host Committee invite their friends and associates. Which makes a great blend of fun and diverse guests.

When you arrive to the Soireé, you will be received and greeted by our upbeat, energetic, happy and excited Hosts in what we call, “The Receiving Line.” This type of positive and friendly reception makes all our guests feel important, welcomed, comfortable and ready to party.

You will walk into the ballroom to the great music of our one of a kind D. J., Joseph A. Mire of the J. A. M. Session and the largest dance floor. Joseph plays all types of music on an ongoing basis to appeal to all tastes. You better have your happy feet ready to kick your heals and dance the night away. Joseph will accept requests.

At 9 p. m., get your taste buds ready for an elaborate array of foods served by some of Houston’s finest restaurants. The buffet is open from 9 – 10:30 p. m.

While all the festivities are taking place, our Celebrity Fashion Patrol will be scouting the ballroom for the 10 Best Dressed Women in the crowd. According to a specific criteria we give them. We must stress that this segment was introduced to the Soireé, only to add extra fun and excitement. It is not a Beauty Contest. Every woman in the ballroom is eligible. Ladies, you have no choice. If our Fashion Patrol spotted you and liked your dress. You are it. You are one of our finalists.

Another point to outline here. Ladies, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg on your evening gowns. The criteria calls for the following categories: Originality, Simplicity and Creativity in the gown selection. The Fashion Patrol will judge on make up, hair and accessorizing. They will judge also on personality. In other words, total package and a complete impressive presentation. Finalists must be residents of the city of Houston.

The 10 finalists will be directed to the VIP room, where the judges will score from 1 to 10 on all above categories. All score sheets will be turned to the auditor, Stephanie Talafuse of Premiere Promotions. She will tally the numbers and the finalist with the highest score, will be declared our Soireé Queen. At which point, no one knows the identify of the winner except the auditor, which will be announced later on at the ballroom.

At 10:30, all Celebrity Fashion Patrol and all finalists will be escorted to the ballroom for the start of the official program.

We are fortunate and proud to have booked the most popular and recognized Elvis impersonator in the world. Johnny Newinn does not only look like young Elvis. But, you will be “shook up” by his voice. The similarities are uncanny. Johnny appeared on national and international television networks. Also, performed allover the county and several other countries.

For Soireé 2005, and before the start of our official program at 10:30 p. m. Elvis will put on a show that will blow you away. As they say, “you just have to see it to believe it.” Friends of The Ambassadors’ Club, believe me, you are in for a TRUE TREAT.

After Elvis’ show, Founder Riyad Abu-Taha and Co Hostess Deborah Duncan will begin the program by introducing the Fashion Patrol Panel of Judges. Then they will bring all 10 finalists on stage. Each finalist will receive a beautiful bouquet of roses from Lexis Florist.

The auditor will hand Riyad & Deborah the cards for the Second Finalist, First Finalist and then the lucky winner, our Soireé Queen 2005.

Former Soireé Queen, Sara Cole will crown the new Queen and place the sash on her shoulder, then she will take her traditional walk to greet our guests.

That will conclude the official presentation for the evening. To be followed again by our Great D. J., Joseph A. Mire of the J. A. M. Session, who will keep our guests on their feet all night long.

Throughout the evening. What you will experience is the best time of your life. Wherever you look, you will see smiles, smiles and more smiles. That’s’ why, and throughout the years. Our Soireé is dubbed, “A Night to Remember.”

Be one of our Ambassadors. Invite everyone in the city to come along and have A Night to Remember with us.