When Dr. Gabriel "Gabe" Mena founded United2Cure last year, the M.D. Anderson anesthesiologist probably never imagined the kind of swank fundraising dinner that took place at RDG + Bar Annie on Tuesday. Yet, there he was amid an assembly of generous supporters wining and dining on the best that chef Robert Del Grande had to offer.
Scores of fans of the program, that works to provide cancer treatment for underprivileged children around the world, toasted the cause during a champagne reception. While discussing the charity's programs, they perused special artwork, up for sale on the walls of the RDG private room, with 10 percent of that money going to the non-profit.
Then it was on to the four-course dinner, accompanied by Palmaz wines. Board members including Jessica Brown, Dr. Pedro Ramirez, Tod Eason, Dr. Ricardo Manzur and Dr. Cenk Ozdogan feasted on the avocado and crab terrine, Pacific halibut, roasted beef loin and blackberry crisp.
Guest speaker was NASA astronaut and United2Cure board member Dr. Robert Satcher.
Among those joining the dinner were Catherine and John Rentz, Greggory and Pat Burk, Liliana Molina, Heather and Darryl Bailey, Elena Lacouture, Lonnie Schiller, Carmen Rincon, Dr. Jesse Selber and Tiffany and Randall Wong.
