For the ninth consecutive year, the gents took over the charity luncheon scene with the always successful, always inspiring Men of Distinction fundraiser at River Oaks Country Club. The $360,000 raised on Wednesday brought the total secured over the years for medical initiatives for children to more than $3 million.
It was applause, applause for the four honorees, recognized for their community leadership and professional successes — Dr. Bud Frazier, Harry Mach, John Riley and David Weekley. With Mothers' Day only a few days following the fundraiser, it was particularly poignant that each honoree credited his wife and children as meaningful partners in that success.
Proceeds from the luncheon were earmarked for research being conducted by Jared Howell, Master of Science in the Orthotics and Prosthetics Program at Baylor College of Medicine; Dr. Jon Tyson, professor of medicine and public health at UTHealth; and Dr. David Sandberg, director of pediatric neurosurgery at Children’s Memorial Hermann, UTHealth and co-director of the pediatric brain tumor program at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
Bobby Tudor chaired the luncheon that each year is emceed by KTRK Channel 13 morning news anchor Tom Koch, a talent that keeps the program rolling so that everyone departs on schedule at 1 p.m.
Men of Distinction leadership welcoming guests were president David Wuthrich and steering committee members including Ed McMahon, Lisa Kennedy, Steve Mach, Michael Mithoff, Paul Murphy, John Eads and Paul Somerville.
The luncheon crowd of more than 300 certainly had more suits than designer frocks but there were enough ladies on hand to keep the day balanced. The heavy-hitter gathering included Don Jordan, Ric Campo, Phoebe Tudor, John Havens, Tara Wuthrich, Lester Smith, Dr. Jim Willerson, Mimi Swartz, Brenda and Marc Watts, Carmen and Butch Mach, Katherine Murphy, Kristina Somerville, Dr. Paul Klotman and representatives from Houston Area Lexus Dealers, who are major underwriters of the luncheon.
Dr. Bid Frazier, left, and Lester Smith.
