Despite the media not being allowed to cover President George W. Bush's conversation with venerable newsman Bob Schieffer,Texas Children's Cancer Center was able to shout from the rooftops the great success of its annual "An Evening With a Legend."
The fundraiser at the Hilton Americas-Houston was attended by a sellout crowd of more than 1,100 and raised $1.2 million.
We can report that the light-hearted conversation between Bush and Schieffer touched on his young years growing up in Midland, reflections on life in one of America's best known political families and his relatively recent venture into painting. In a nod to those Midland beginnings, the fried chicken and filet of beef dinner concluded with “Texas Trash” from Susie’s South Forty Confectioners in Midland, one of Forty-three's favorites.
Kline noted that in its first decade, the event had raised more than $47 million for Texas Children's.
The patriotic evening began with a presentation of the colors by the Houston Fire Department Honor Guard, followed by singing of the national anthem and "America the Beautiful" by the Texas A&M Singing Cadets. Adding a Lone Star patriotic note to the event were the yellow rose centerpieces.
Forty-three's proud parents, former President George H. W. Bush and Barbara Bush, were among those introduced by the evening's emcee Dr. Mark Kline, physician-in-chief of Texas Children's Hospital.
Kline noted that in its first decade, the event had raised more than $47 million for Texas Children's, the largest pediatric cancer and blood disease center in the United States. Applause, applause for long-time chairs Emily Crosswell, Ned Torian, Lynn Baird and Flo Crady. Serving as honorary chairs were Carolyn and David Light, Susan and David Light and Melissa and Mano DeAyala.
Texas Children's supporters included Dorothy and Mickey Ables, Sue and Lester Smith, Dr. David Poplack, Carol and Phil Garner, Jan Duncan, Melinda and Sam Stubbs, Maria and Neil Bush, Kim and John Klevenhagen, Lisa and Jerry Simon, Carol and Mike Lynn and Soraya and Scott McClelland.
Sam and Melinda Stubbs.
