Join Friends of AVDA on their the mission to end family violence in our community!
AVDA is pleased to announce our 2025 Advisory Committee Members!
Liz Arrigo, Ytterberg Deery Knull LLP
Loren Canales, Schlanger Silver LLP
Janine Galt, MD Anderson Cancer Center
Katherine Garcia, Sudor Sauna
Anna Gryska, Woodside Energy
Mario Gudmundsson, De Beers Group
Erika Rivera, Morgan Stanley
Clara Orlean, American Cancer Society
Meghan Verikas Renderos, Holiday Inn Houston Downtown
Laurel Wheatley, St. Francis Episcopal School
About Friends of AVDA
Friends of AVDA is a group of Houstonians serving as advocates, donors, and volunteers in support of AVDA’s mission to end family violence. Since the founding of Friends of AVDA in 2019, we have provided meaningful social, educational, and philanthropic events for our members and their guests. Members receive complimentary entry to social and philanthropy events plus special rates to for the signature fundraisers: Polo for a Purpose, New Beginnings Luncheon, and Home Safe Home Gala.
Throughout the year, Friends of AVDA provides supplemental support to clients through various initiatives. View how you or your company can make an impact!
Last year, Friends of AVDA raised more than $8,000 in support of AVDA’s services. Proceeds derive from annual memberships, guest tickets, and event sponsorships.
Membership Benefits
Membership is affordable at $100 per individual, $175 per couple, and $50 for college students and recent grads aged 21+. Membership includes complimentary entry to Friends of AVDA events and special rates for AVDA’s signature events. Become a member, so you can join us for social and networking opportunities centered around spreading awareness of AVDA’s mission to end abuse and help survivors claim their new beginning.
2025 Event Calendar
Member Perk: Tidbits Rodeo Market
February 9 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Social Event: Wellness Retreat
March 22 | Black Swan Yoga
Sign up link coming soon
Member Perk: Women’s Self-Defense Class in honors of Women’s History Month
March 29 | Gracie Barra Heights
Sign up link coming soon
Member Perk: Polo for a Purpose
April 13 | Houston Polo Club
*Special ticket rate for members! View sponsorship opportunities
Member Perk: New Beginnings Luncheon
May 7 | The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa
*special ticket rate for members coming soon
Philanthropy: activity booth at AVDA’s Family Fun Day
June TBD
*requires completing AVDA’s volunteer process
Philanthropy: Build-a-Backpack
August TBD
Social Event: Night at the Ballpark
Summer TBD
*includes a Club Room happy hour and tickets to the game
Member Perk: Home Safe Home Gala
October 15 | The Thompson Hotel
*special ticket rate for members coming soon
Social Event: Spirit of Giving sponsored by Frost Bank
December TBD
Philanthropy: Holiday Gift Program
December TBD
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