When does science become art? One could certainly argue that it happens daily at the Texas Medical Center, where doctors and surgeons become maestros and artists, performing virtual miracles on the human body.
And so the event, “Illuminate the Night,” was completely apropos, mixing cutting-edge science performed at Houston’s Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital with the sophisticated art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The event presentation provided the opportunity for guests to learn more about the Pediatric Orthopedic Program, detailing the team’s advanced research, key services, and real patient stories. The hospital has hosted a series of high-profile, elegant affairs to raise awareness of its crucial work in the city.
More than 150 guests mixed and mingled with event chairs Shannon Addison, Amanda Boffone, and Stephanie Fleck, as well as honorary chairs Christine Falgout, Melissa Juneau, and Rachel Regan. During cocktail hour, guests were serenaded by the David Caceres Band and enjoyed refreshing cocktails and passed appetizers.
With an upscale, modern take on a setting reminiscent of a Moroccan palace, the dinner tables were adorned with lanterns of various heights or brass rectangular planters, accompanied by colorful floral bouquets. The rounded white and gold china place settings included a royal blue round menu and a neutral arabesque tile with each guest’s name calligraphied in gold on top.
Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, CEO Susie Distefano, addressed the crowd, as did Dr. Alfred Monsour, director of orthopedic surgery at CMHH, who discussed a case in which innovative solutions were necessary to help heal a child with a hip problem. Other physicians leading table discussions included Dr. Ignatius Distefano, Dr. Jorge Salazar, Dr. Shiraz Younas, Dr. KuoJen Tsao, and Dr. Mary Aitken.
During the event, there were social media-worthy opportunities, including a grand boxwood entrance adorned with a branded and floral arabesque pattern, a candle and lantern lit pathway sprinkled with white rose petals, and ending with a crystal curtain that guests walked through to get to cocktail hour, in addition to the thematic 35-foot projections during dinner. Guests had fun with a modern twist on the traditional photo booth that included projection artwork, where they could take slow-motion videos and share instantly on their social media pages.
At the event’s close, guests discovered party favors in their cars that aligned with the event theme. All guests received a beautiful duo of vanilla Heritage Macarons that were ornately decorated in the style of the evening, along with a fact card detailing the key programs offered at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital.
Seen in the crowd were: Christine Falgout, Melissa Juneau, Neekie and Amir Kashani, Shelby Hodge, Deborah and Gardner Cannon, Roland Garcia, Anne Neeson, Vivian and Pete VandenBout, Tracey and Andy Hull, Anne Neeson, Melissa Sugulas, Megan and Luke Hotze, Whitney Kuhn Lawson, Julie and Stephen Chen, Jo Lynn and Gregg Falgout, Kristina Somerville, Fady Armanious, Monica and Curtis Bickers, and Ting Bresnehan.
Dr. Ignatius and Susie Distefano.
