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    Memorial Hermann Gala

    Dance floor magic and heart-tugging stories ignite Memorial Hermann gala, raising $3.1 million

    Clifford Pugh
    May 1, 2017 | 11:27 am

    Celebrating the 30th anniversary of Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, the 2017 Memorial Hermann Circle of Life Gala proved to be one of the liveliest parties of the social season, with a combination of heart-tugging stories from former patients and such crowd-pleasing touches as a marching band, a colorful balloon drop, and non-stop hits performed by the Atlanta-based band Simply Irresistible that kept the large dance floor packed throughout the evening.

    Dr. Benjamin K. Chu, president and CEO of Memorial Hermann Health System, boogied with philanthropist Margaret Alkek Williams, while nearby, KPRC Channel 2 anchor Dominique Sachse and Nick Florescu, Diane Lokey Farb and Neal Hamil, and KHOU Channel 11 anchor Len Cannon (who emceed the evening) and Bernadette Verzosa were among those showcasing their best dance moves.

    Many in the crowd of more than 1,600 at the Hilton Americas-Houston sported flashing neon sunglasses, plastic microphones and guitars, and twinkling tambourines that were handed out to those on the dance floor as they got down to a mix of tunes and a special appearance by The Voice contestant Támar Davis.

    The gala, chaired by Memorial Hermann System Board members Diane and Bill Campbell and Elizabeth and Will Galtney, brought in $3.1 million, the second largest total in the event's history.

    Before the frivolity began, Anne E. Neeson, the recently named executive vice president and CEO of Memorial Hermann Foundation, and Dr. Kevin P. Lally, Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital surgeon-in-chief, honored former pediatric patients Emily and Caitlin Copeland, Dominic Larkin, and Faith Hagler, and the doctors who saved their lives.

    Larkin survived a fall into a hot tub as an infant and was treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), which bypasses the lungs, enabling the body to rest and the lungs to heal, while Hagler was the first in Texas to undergo in utero surgery for spina bifida. Born conjoined at the liver and chest in 1996, the Copeland twins underwent successful separation surgery at only 10 months old and are now thriving college students.

    Long-time corporate partner H-E-B was also honored, with Memorial Hermann board member and H-E-B Houston CEO Scott McClelland accepting the award. "If you're going to get sick, Houston is the place to do it, and, of course, Memorial Hermann is the premier hospital in Houston," McClelland told the crowd.

    Playing on the birthday theme, designer Elizabeth Swift of Swift + company created centerpieces filled with flowers and balloons. Guests posted for photos in front of a eight-foot-high replica of a birthday cake at the entrance to the ballroom. After dinner, 40 waiters and waitresses marched out, each with three-tiered birthday cakes while the Waltrip High School “Roaring Red” Ram marching band filled the dance floor and hundreds of colorful balloons cascaded from the ceiling — all organized by Ward & Ames Special Events.

    Afterwards, the heartiest partygoers stayed around for the first-ever “Celebration Cellar,” a late night lounge with light bites, cocktails, and dancing, in an intimate setting.

    Spotted in the gala crowd were Hallie Vanderhider, Susan Sarofim, Holly and Austin Alvis, Arthur and Philamena Baird, who was the evening's best dressed in a bright yellow one-shoulder gown, Divya and Chris Brown, Jennifer and Brian Caswell, Cathy and Joe Cleary, Susie and Dr. Iggy Distefano, Christine Falgout and Bill Gutknecht, Jo Lynn and Gregg Falgout, Kimberly Falgout and Evan Scheele, Stacy and Jason Johnson, Laurie and Tracy Krohn, Soraya McClelland, Alice and Keith Mosing, Sherry and Jim Smith, and Dana and Trey Strake.

    Susie Distefano, Dr. Iggy Distefano.

    Susie Distefano, Dr. Iggy Distefano at Memorial Hermann Gala
      
    Photo by Michelle Watson/Catchlight Group
    Susie Distefano, Dr. Iggy Distefano.
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    Stories of Strength

    Lights of love shine during Houston cancer charity’s emotional gathering

    Joel Luks
    Jun 20, 2025 | 3:47 pm
    CanCare Hope Survivorship Luncheon 2025
    Photo by Daniel Ortiz
    Darcie Wells, Meredith Beaupre, and Nick Adam.

    There wasn’t a dry eye or an empty seat in the house as 400 guests filled River Oaks Country Club for CanCare’s annual Hope Survivorship Luncheon. The gathering, chaired by Michele Leal Farah and Tony Bradfield, raised more than $350,000 to fuel CanCare’s mission of providing peer support to those facing cancer.

    In a show of community continuity, six years of former luncheon chairs joined in celebration, including Donna and Norman Lewis, Jordan Seff, Kelley Lubanko, Stephanie Tsuru, honorary chair Frank Tsuru, Phoebe and Bobby Tudor, and 2026 luncheon chair Kristy Bradshaw.

    Emceed by longtime supporter Lisa Malosky, the program introduced CanCare’s newest literary endeavor — Hope in the Face of Cancer — a moving collection of stories from survivors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. President and CEO Darcie Wells framed the book as both inspiration and action, echoing the nonprofit’s mission to pair cancer patients and caregivers with trained survivors.

    Generosity flowed early, with Giving Tree gift cards snatched up before lunch began and a glittering raffle sponsored by Tenenbaum Jewelers offering winners the pick of dazzling jewelry or coveted Astros Diamond Club seats.

    This year’s honorees reflected the many sides of the cancer fight. Corporate Honoree JP Morgan Chase was represented by Nick Adam and Meredith Beaupre, who spoke to the bank’s commitment to local impact. Healthcare Honoree Dr. Katy Rezvani, a pioneering force at MD Anderson Cancer Center, also delivered the keynote address, sharing breakthroughs from her work as vice president of the Cell Therapy Institute. Community Honorees, the Mir Family, embodied resilience with Marisa Mir, Beckie Mir, Marcie Mir, Gasper Mir III, and Gasper Mir IV all recognized for their shared journey.

    The emotional centerpiece of the afternoon was the candle lighting ceremony, which filled the room with flickering flames held high in memory of loved ones. Keith Saathoff followed with a powerful testimonial, and nearly every attendee gave in the appeal that followed.

    Part of the luminous gathering were Brigitte Kalai, Alicia Smith, Jordan Seff, Vanessa Ames, Megan Vondra, Fady Armanious, Titus Harris, Kristen Cannon, Leigh Smith, Whitney Kuhn Lawson, Vicki Luna, Anne Neeson, Ileana and Michael Trevino, Cyndy Garza Roberts, Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees, Jennifer Allison, Lesha Elsenbrook, Denise Monteleone, Katie Tsuru, Cathy Brock, Creighton Edwards, Christy Lynn, Michael Fife, John Nau, Martiza Gonzales, and Heidi Rockcharlie.

    CanCare Hope Survivorship Luncheon 2025
      

    Photo by Daniel Ortiz

    Darcie Wells, Meredith Beaupre, and Nick Adam.

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