April 10, 2024 (Houston, TX)

Shop with a purpose and own a piece of Houston history during “An Estate of Grace Sale”, featuring items from the estate of the late Houston real estate icon Martha Turner, namesake of Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty. Donated by her daughter, Deasa Turner, funds raised from the Sale will support the StellaNova Foundation, a local nonprofit whose mission is to provide funding for organizations which support responsible mental healthcare to those in need. This open-to-the-public event will be held on Friday and Saturday, May 10-11, 2024, staged by the Foundation at the Montrose Center, located at 401 Branard Street in Houston. The Foundation has selected Healthcare for the Homeless - Houston and the Montrose Center as its beneficiaries for this fundraising event.

“My mother was a generous soul, an active philanthropist and a woman of great style,” said Turner, an actress, model, artist and single mother of one who makes her home in Houston. “It’s most fitting that this will take place over Mother’s Day weekend.”

The collection will include clothing, jewelry, handbags, accessories, art and more. This includes recognizable pieces from Martha Turner’s signature looks: fashionable ensembles adorned with statement accessories. Designer labels will include Oscar de la Renta, Armani, St. John and Escada, among other heralded brands. The collection also features a wide variety of objects d’ art, all which will be offered at very accessible prices. Many items are still in new condition with original tags. “There will be furs and hats, along with books, art, crystal and table décor,” notes DeasaTurner. “Regal, but fun finds.”

Patrons may also purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win a custom vest created for Martha by her daughter, Deasa Turner. Crafted of satin and adorned with a selection of Martha’s brooches, this piece was inspired by Chanel’s Fall 2008 Collection. Only 35 raffle tickets will be available at $100 each, with proceeds going to the Montrose Center and one donor randomly selected to receive the vest (valued at $3,500). PURCHASE TICKETS HERE!

While “An Estate of Grace Sale” will primarily showcase items from the estate of Martha Turner, StellaNova Foundation Executive Director Doug Harris reports the inclusion of gift worthy goods from other local collections. This includes new, gently used and antique accessories curated by the late real estate investor and world traveler Anthony Kouzounis, along with cinematic treasures donated by the Houston Film Critics Society.

“Savvy shoppers will find deals on last-minute Mother’s Day gifts and other treasures to take home. There will be something for everyone,” notes Harris, who reports that pricing will range from $5 to $500, with the exception of a few fine art pieces.

There will be no charge for public admission. For complete information, visit StellaNovaFoundation.org.

About Martha Turner

A respected business and community leader in Houston during some of the city’s most adventurous times, Martha Turner, for many years, helmed the largest independent real estate brokerage in Houston. Following a headline-making merger with Sotheby's in 2014, the firm which she founded remains one of the most successful of its kind in the nation today, under the banner of Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty. A native Texan, this barrier-breaking former educator turned real estate agent paved the way for other women to pursue independence and prosperity. Once recognized by the State of Texas as “Houston’s Most Inspiring Businesswoman”, her business acumen and commanding presence served her in boardrooms and ballrooms with equal aplomb.

About Deasa Turner

A native Houstonian, Deasa Turner’s life, educational and professional pursuits have taken her from Hollywood to New York City, as well as London and Paris. An accomplished actress and model, Turner’s primary focus is now on her work as an assemblage artist and creator of short form films. “Glitter Glitter Bang Bang”, her successful 2023 solo exhibition at Taylor Fine Art in Los Angeles, was highlighted in LA Weekly and her work was most recently included in Kaleidoscope, a presentation of Hooks-Epstein Galleries’ exhibit of artistic creations by women. Turner is currently preparing for another solo show, scheduled for September 2024 at Hooks-Epstein Galleries in Houston. Learn more at StudioDeasa.com.

About the StellaNova Foundation

StellaNova Foundation is a Houston-based 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to support organizations providing service to Houstonians experiencing mental health issues who may not have access to, or resources for, care and treatment. Founded in 2020 by veteran broadcaster and marketing consultant Doug Harris, the Foundation is currently making distributions to Guitars 4 Vets, The Purple Heart Project, AHEPA Service Dogs for Warriors, the Montrose Center, and Healthcare for the Homeless - Houston, among others. The Foundation and its mission are funded by donations from the public and private sector, as well as the proceeds of special events staged for that purpose. Learn more at StellaNovaFoundation.org.

About The Montrose Center

The Montrose Center helps LGBTQ+ youth and adults live healthy, actualized lives with the tools and resources they need to feel affirmed. As the cultural hub of Houston’s LGBTQ community, the Center is “home” to dozens of LGBTQ-affirming social and civic organizations. For more than 45 years, their team of state-licensed clinicians, masters-level therapists, skilled educators, support staff and dedicated volunteers have worked together to create healthier futures for individuals in Houston's LGBTQ communities. Learn more at MontroseCenter.org.

About Healthcare for the Homeless - Houston

For more than 23 years, Healthcare for the Homeless - Houston (HHH) has promoted health, hope and dignity for those affected by homelessness through accessible and comprehensive quality care. Through three standalone clinic locations and on-site care within six permanent supportive housing communities, HHH offers co-located primary and specialty medical care, mental health services, addiction counseling, intensive case management and comprehensive dental care. With the support of HHH’s innovative, multidisciplinary healthcare model, individuals and families affected by homelessness have access to the necessary resources to address immediate health needs, stabilize their condition and are empowered to transition out of homelessness. Access to compassionate, whole-person healthcare improves overall well-being, increases chances of securing stable housing and employment and breaks the cycle of homelessness. More at Homeless-Healthcare.org.