Night of Hearts

Texas Heart Institute shines spotlight on medical superstars and military legends

Reviving its prestigious Denton A. Cooley Leadership Award dinner, the Texas Heart Institute enjoyed the prowess of medical big guns and military might to deliver proceeds of more than $700,000. The evening honored retired four-star admiral William McRaven, who now serves as University of Texas System chancellor.

The "Leading With the Heart" evening filled the Hilton Americas-Houston ballroom with a respected coterie of cardiologists and surgeons including Dr. Denton Cooley and Texas Heart Institute president Dr. James T. Willerson. The last time there was such a prestigious gathering was THI's 50th anniversary gala in 2012.

McRaven began his remarks with a tribute to Willerson. "I can tell you he is a man of tremendous energy. He really does seem to be everywhere . . . He is a man of compassion and I tell you in this age of technology and big pharma, we sometimes forget that a doctor's greatest skill lies in his ability to provide comfort to his patient. And I know of few men that do that as well as Jim Willerson."

In praise of Cooley, McRaven said, "I am honored to be mentioned in the same breath with Denton Cooley."

The benefit was chaired by Janiece Longoria, chair of the Port of Houston Authority, and Steve Lasher, GulfStar Group managing director and co-founder. UT System vice chancellor Randa Safady served as emcee. She and others brought home the point that heart disease is "the preeminent killer of men, women and children."

The impressive medical contingent included Dr. O.H. "Bud" Frazier, Drs. Leslie and Peter Kaldis, Dr. Charles Fraser, Dr. David Ott, Dr. John Craddock, Dr. Daryl Dichoso, and Dr. Robert Robbins, Texas Medical Center president and CEO.

Among those supporting THI were Toni and T. Boone Pickens, Margaret Alkek Williams, Louise Cooley, Alfred Glassell III, Rose Cullen, Lynn Wyatt, Barbara and Charles Hurwitz, Shirley and Jim Dannenbaum, Beth Robertson, Cathy and Joe Cleary, Donna and Tony Vallone, and Arlene and Marshall Hoffman.

William McRaven, Janiece Longoria, Steve Lasher, Dr. James Willerson.

Texas Heart Institute dinner, Feb. 2016, William McReaven, Janiece Longoria, Steve Lasher, Dr. James Willerson

Photo by Chris Kuhlman

William McRaven, Janiece Longoria, Steve Lasher, Dr. James Willerson.

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Raising Expectations

3 nights of Michelin-starred cuisine fuel Houston nonprofit’s mission

Genuine Cup Hope and Opportunity Dinners 2026

Photo by Jenny Antill

This team came together to execute the Hope and Opportunity dinners.

Fine dining dished with purpose? We’ll have seconds, please.

The Genuine Cup’s second annual Hope and Opportunity Dinner Series brought three evenings of Spanish-inspired hospitality to Soleil June 11-13, raising $665,350 to expand employment pathways and opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Co-founders Ignacio Torras and Lorna Ortiz welcomed approximately 300 guests across three sold-out dinners for a culinary collaboration featuring Spain’s celebrated Roca Brothers of El Celler de Can Roca alongside Houston chefs who lead four of the city’s six Michelin-starred restaurants — Felipe Botero (Le Jardinier), Felipe Riccio (March), Mayank Istwal (Musaafer), and Luis Roger (BCN).

Attendees began with Spanish-inspired bites and wine pairings before settling in for a multi-course tasting menu accompanied by Edward Grigassy’s live Spanish guitar performance, creating an evening that felt more Barcelona than Boulevard.

“This event is about more than raising funds — it’s about raising expectations,” said Torras. “Every individual deserves the opportunity to contribute, succeed, and be recognized for their talents. Through hospitality, sport, and community, we are creating pathways that help make that possible.”

The program spotlighted the Genuine Cup’s mission through remarks from Senator Ted Cruz, Commissioner Lesley Briones, and Robert Rule, whose story as a Genuine Cup athlete and Rocambolesc employee reinforced the importance of meaningful employment opportunities for neurodiverse individuals.

Throughout the dinners, members of the Genuine Cup community played active roles in the guest experience.

Funds will benefit the Genuine Cup, an international soccer tournament that will bring together athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Houston from July 27 - August 1. In total, teams from 50 countries will participate in the event, which is being held at Rice Stadium.

On the scene were Anne and Karl Stern, Ivan Perez, Kathleen Sledge, Tony and Francis Buzbee, Daniel Briones, Albert and Anne Chao, Sammi and Mithu Malick, Michael and Megan Bartz, David and Laura Piccione, William and Constanza Restrepo, Neil and Elizabeth Chapman, Kyle and Erin Cummings, and Heidi and Senator Ted Cruz.

Photo by Jenny Antill

This team came together to execute the Hope and Opportunity dinners.

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