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Houston society stars honor local philanthropic A-listers at UNICEF gala

Anika Jackson, Malaika Mukoro, Kristen McQuillin, and guest.

Photo by Bob Levey Getty Images

What: The fifth annual UNICEF Gala

Where: The Post Oak Hotel

The scoop: Beloved local philanthropists Susan and Fayez Sarofim and Linda and Jim McIngvale were honored for their charitable works at the annual UNICEF Gala. More than 320 guests attended the glamorous gala, which raised more than $900,000 and will support UNICEF’s lifesaving work for children around the world. The event, emceed by Deborah Duncan, celebrated UNICEF’s lifesaving work and honored the Sarofims with the Margaret Alkek Williams Humanitarian Award. Meanwhile, Linda and Jim McIngvale received the Global Community Hero Award.

Special guests included Mayor Sylvester Turner and Emma Kathleen Hepburn Ferrer, Audrey Hepburn’s granddaughter and UNICEF advocate, both of whom spoke about their personal connection to UNICEF USA. Ferrer provided a touching introduction to a video highlighting her grandmother’s work with UNICEF. The gala tables featured large glass globe centerpieces (glowing in blue) surrounded by white roses as well as crystal candelabras with dangling white orchids. After a three-course meal and live auction, a vibrant performance by the 10-piece variety band Professor D took over the after party hosted by Houston's UNICEF 'NEXTGEN' supporters.

Gala chairs included Brigitte and Bashar Kalai, Sippi and Ajay Khurana, Leticia and Stephen Trauber and Ileana and Michael Treviño. Honorary Chairs included Rosanette and Harry Cullen, Leela and Nat Krishnamurthy, Penny and Paul B. Loyd Jr., Margaret Alkek Williams, and Randa and Charles Williams.

Live-action packages included tickets to Hamilton, a private suite at Rockets and Astros games, tickets to the Houston Symphony, a NYC trip experience with jewelry shopping spree, and even a 2018 Lexus NX 300.

Who: Margaret Alkek Williams, Buzz Aldrin, The Honorable Joanne King Herring, Rosanette Cullen, Maria and Neil Bush, Sara Beth and Pierce Bush, Jeff and Rachel Bagwell, Rudy and Debbie Festari, Paul-David Van Atta, Trish and Rock Morille, Anika Jackson and Chuck Redick, Alicia Smith, Tony Bradfield Kevin Black, Alex and Astley Blair, Bill Baldwin and Fady Armanious, Erik Monrreal, and Shannah Quinn.

Neil Bush, Buzz Aldrin, Joanne King Herring, and Maria Bush.

Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images

Neil Bush, Buzz Aldrin, Joanne King Herring, and Maria Bush.

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For Good

Emotional night uplifts mental health at UTHealth Houston's $1.8M gala

UT Health Houston Mission in Action gala 2025

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Greg and Kristy Kroencke and Cheryl and Anthony Faillace.

At a time when mental health is finally getting its long-overdue moment in the spotlight, more than 200 supporters gathered at the Thompson Hotel for UTHealth Houston’s 2025 Mission in Action gala — an evening as elegant as it was emotionally resonant. Co-chairs Yvonne and Walter Johnson welcomed guests to an event that raised awareness and empathy.

This year’s event honored the John S. Dunn Foundation, a philanthropic force synonymous with health care advancement in Houston. Accepting the honor on behalf of the foundation, Charlie Lusk reflected on a legacy that’s shaped institutions quietly but powerfully over nearly five decades.

The evening, produced by Keely Thorne Events, struck a tone of transformation and dignity. Live music from Divisi Strings floated through a ballroom filled with trees and moody ombré florals by The Blooming Gallery, symbolizing the journey from darkness to light.

Walter Johnson shared his own family’s experience with behavioral health struggles. That spotlight widened with a moving video presentation featuring two UTHealth Houston patients, whose candid stories offered a visceral look at what compassion, research, and comprehensive care can achieve. UTHealth Houston president Melina Kibbe underscored a future-facing focus.

“We are committed to building a future where behavioral health care is more predictive, more preventive, and more personalized so that we can reach people earlier and support them more effectively,” Kibbe said.

The evening’s total impact? More than $1.8 million raised in support of behavioral health research, education, and care at UTHealth Houston.

In the room were Marco Patti, Cynthia Adkins, Terri Lacy, Diana Hawkins, Andy Sowell, John Wallace, Kathleen and Dick Rogers, Cheryl and Anthony Faillace, Jodie Jiles, Sonny Jiles, Ginny and LE Simmons, Larry and Tatiana Seligmann, Bette and Ralph Thomas, Mike and Rajni Jain, Elizabeth and Drew Kanaly, Maria Pappas, Anne-Laure and Steve Stephens, Lisa and Michael Sachs, Les and Linda Allison, Clay and Charlotte Allison, Carla Diaz Lewis and Kenneth Lewis, Anne and Karl Stern, Leila and Walter Mischer, and Regina Rogers.

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Greg and Kristy Kroencke and Cheryl and Anthony Faillace.

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