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    ¡Ay, Caramba!

    Tequila shots, sassy fashions and sexy hombres make for muy picante luncheon

    Shelby Hodge
    May 16, 2016 | 5:47 pm

    It might have been the 14th annual Latin Women's Initiative fashion show and luncheon but Friday's fundraiser, with a sellout crowd of more than 700, enjoyed every ounce of fiery enthusiasm that has maintained it as the best luncheon of the year for more than decade.

    Of course, we measure "best" by the level of fervor and no other luncheon could top the energy that filled the Hilton Americas-Houston ballroom as well as the foyer where 30 carefully-curated vendors displayed their high-fashion wares.

    As is the rule with this fundraiser, it is almost impossible to calm the gregarious crowd. But emcee Michael Cordúa and former Miss Universe Barbara Palacios finally managed, setting the stage for introduction of the charities that would divide the $250,000 raised.

    The program (rather long for this feisty crowd) also included remarks from LWI president Cyndy Garza Roberts, luncheon chairs Sally Lechin and Marianelly Avendano Noble, and honorary chair Mary Tere Perusquia.

    Tootsies presented the show of fashions from Alexis, represented by Jonathan Barbara in from Miami. An LWI fashion show would not be complete without a few Adonises wearing bathing suits. Friday was no exception. The additional tradition of toasts with tequila shots was once again observed.

    The colorful throng included Lucia Cordúa, Chree Boydstun, Danielle Ellis, Sofia Adrogué, Jessica Rossman, Edward Sanchez, Miya Shay, Ceron, Ericka Bagwell, Romy Lauren, Karina Barbieri, Joshua Espinedo, Patricia Griffith, Vesta Frommer, Laura Sweeney, Terek El-Bjeirmi, Jane Brennan-Martin, and Dimitrios Platsas.

    Taylor Hudgins, Meghan Lee, Tarek El-Bjeirmi, DeeAnn Thigpen.

    Latin Women's Initiative luncheon 5/16, Taylor Hudgins, Meghan Lee, Tarek El-Bjeirmi, DeeAnn Thigpen
      
    © Michelle Watson/Catchlight Group
    Taylor Hudgins, Meghan Lee, Tarek El-Bjeirmi, DeeAnn Thigpen.
    luncheonsfundraisers
    news/society

    Medics on the Keys

    Houston doctors play a Steinway to support pediatric burn program

    Joel Luks
    Jun 16, 2025 | 6:00 pm
    Doctors in Recital 2025
    Courtesy of Doctors in Recital
    Dr. Michael Yafi and Amanda Watson.

    What happens when scalpel-wielding professionals swap the OR for a Steinway? Something pretty magical. For the third annual Doctors in Recital, Houston’s Steinway Piano Gallery orchestrated a night where medicine met music — and heartbeats gave way to half notes — all in support of the city’s only Pediatric Burn Program.

    Held at the newly renovated River Oaks Theatre, the performers welcomed a crowd of friends, family, supporters, and members of the medical community for a musicale. The program spotlighted 12 multi-talented physicians, whose day jobs span cardiology to pediatric surgery, as they played their hearts out on two exquisite Steinway grands.

    The performance piano: A gleaming Model B-Spirio in ebony, digitally recording each performance. Its show-stealing counterpart? A limited edition Steinway X Disney: Mickey Mouse piano — one of just 25 in the world — designed by Italian artist Elena Salmistraro in honor of Disney’s 100th anniversary.

    Amanda Watson, chair of the event and rep for Steinway Piano Gallery of Houston, welcomed the audience, setting the tone for an evening of artful giving. Then came Dr. Michael Yafi, co-chair and performer, who riffed on art history and the legendary Viennese surgeon-musician Billroth. A nod to the storied connection between music and medicine, his remarks underscored the tenor of the evening: Compassion, creativity, and care.

    The performances were a blend of classical favorites — think Beethoven, Chopin, and Rachmaninoff — with a dash of good-humored flair. There may have been a few lighthearted shenanigans (it’s not every day you hear a doctor sneak in a playful glissando mid-Rachmaninoff), but the audience loved it. These weren’t just notes on a page — they were love letters to both music and medicine.

    Rounding out the evening was Dr. Kevin Lally, who offered insight into the cause behind the concert: The Burn Program in the Department of Pediatric Surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. As the city’s only pediatric burn unit, it treats more than 400 children annually, provides $50,000 in free burn care supplies, and serves a community of 2.3 million.

    Among the doctor performers were Neale Clark, Ryan Dickey, Natalie Drucker, Liliane Hay, Khashayar Hematpour, Maria Matuszczak, Aki Nishikawa, Marc Rhoads, Allison Speer, Tony Tran,and Pansy Tung, joined by guest performer Chaden Yafi, who teaches five of the participating doctors.

    Doctors in Recital 2025
      

    Courtesy of Doctors in Recital

    Dr. Michael Yafi and Amanda Watson.

    fundraisersdoctors in recital
    news/society

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