For once, the surprise was on oilman philanthropist Lester Smith. The guy who is usually adding unexpected greenbacks to charity coffers was caught off-guard when a video replay of his Pink Well flash mob event at Macy's last June turned into a real flash mob with more than a dozen singer/dancers wearing pink wigs and T-shirts and flaunting pink feather boas pouring into the ballroom of the Westin Galleria Hotel.
It was the 10th annual Nancy Owens Memorial Foundation Luncheon and Lester, a cancer survivor, was guest speaker. And that was just one of many treats on this day of celebration of the life of the Houston real estate agent who lost a courageous battle with breast cancer. Yvonne Washington sang "Believe" as a video tribute was made to Nancy Owens.
Luncheon proceeds brought the total funds raised, during the decade, for breast cancer research to more than $1 million, a milestone that the 800 luncheon guests applauded. The beauty of this event is that the entire real estate community comes together in support with underwriters including Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, Anderson Properties, Bernstein Realty, John Daugherty Realtors, Greenwood King, Heritage Texas Properties and Martha Turner Properties. The Houston Association of Realtors was a big supporter as well.
The luncheon, chaired by Amy Bernstein, honored Maxine Myers with the Nancy Owens Spirit of Courage Award.
As a special treat, Heights-based Pie in the Sky baked homemade mini-pies that morning for the entire turnout.
Notables included HAR president and CEO Bob Hale, HAR chief political strategist Dana Kervin, Heritage Texas president and CEO Robin Mueck, foundation board chair Carlos Bujosa, foundation board vice chair Chaille Ralph, Margie Dorrance, Phyllis Childress, Mike Huff, Jennifer Hernandez, Lynn Mather, Martha Adger and Tom Becker.
