Design Icon Carolina Herrera to Make an Appearance at the Angels of Hope Luncheon and Neiman Marcus Fashion Presentation

HOUSTON-(August 30, 2004)-World-renowned designer Carolina Herrera will present her Spring 2005 collection at this year's Angels of Hope Luncheon and Neiman Marcus Fashion Presentation, presented by the Friends of Child Advocates.

Herrera's attendance at the Angels of Hope Luncheon will be her first appearance back in the United States in nearly two years.

Chaired by Ellie Francisco and Shelly Ann Marks, the Luncheon will take place on Tuesday, November 30 in the Grand Ballroom of the Westin Galleria Hotel with a pre-Luncheon reception from 11:30 a.m. - 12 noon followed by a Fashion Presentation and Luncheon from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m.

This year's luncheon will honor longtime supporters of Child Advocates, Inc.-Neiman Marcus, Bob Devlin (NM's general manager) and Ellie Sweeney.

"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to pay special tribute to our three honorees," said Sonya Galvan, chief executive officer. "Neiman Marcus and Bob Devlin have been integral to the success of our annual Angels of Hope Luncheon, from securing top notch designers and producing exciting fashion presentations, to underwriting many of the costs associated with the production of show."

Francisco and Marks aim to raise over $200,000 for Child Advocates, Inc.-Houston's leading voice for severely abused and neglected children.

OTHER LUNCHEON HIGHLIGHTS
This year marks Child Advocates' 20th year of providing critical advocacy and resources for children who are in CPS custody due to life-threatening child abuse, neglect or abandonment. Since the organization's inception, Child Advocates has served more than 12,000 abused children.
The Luncheon will also include an exciting raffle with coveted upscale items including a Michele watch valued at over $1,000 and a "Ladies' Lunch for Six" at the new Tony's, scheduled to open Winter 2005. More details on additional raffle items to come soon.

MORE ABOUT LUNCHEON HONOREES
Ellie Sweeney is being honored for her work and resolve in the fight against child abuse and her longtime support of Child Advocates.

"The strides that Child Advocates has made in our 20 years of breaking the cycle of child abuse are directly attributable to collective teamwork, leadership and volunteers like Ellie," said Galvan. "Ellie's leadership as Child Advocates' board chair, combined with her compassion and dedication to our mission is exemplary. In addition to serving as our board chair, Ellie also works directly with the children we serve as a court appointed advocate volunteer."

For information on table and ticket prices, contact Marla Endieveri, 713-529-1396, ext. 234.

###