Nutrient density, healthy fats and plant-based diets were the buzzwords that riveted the 300 guests attending the Blue Cure Foundation dinner at the Omni Houston Hotel on Thursday. Delivering the message on the importance of a "wellness diet" was Whole Foods co-founder and co-CEO John Mackey, who lives by the gospel of the Whole Foods Diet.
Not your typical fodder for a charity gala, Mackey's talk received a standing ovation. In a nod to his message, the dinner menu was based on the guest speaker's healthy diet plan. Mackey doubled as the evening's honoree, receiving the Rod Paige Humanitarian Award.
Dee Dee and Wallis Marsh and A.J. Gracely chaired the benefit that raised close to $400,000 for Blue Cure initiatives to prevent prostate cancer. They were joined in the effort by honorary chairs Carolyn Farb, an early and ardent supporter of the Blue Cure Foundation, and former Houston Texan Chris Myers, who leads much of the athletic initiative directed to young men and focusing on healthy lifestyle choices, another component of Mackey's message.
It was a great night for Blue Cure founder and president Gabe Canales, thanks in part to the generosity of theFred and Mabel R. Parks Foundation and its president James McClellan.
Among those joining in the standing ovation were Siobahn Gracely, Tony Gracely, Andrew Sarofim, Debbie and Roger Clemmons, Betty and John Hrncir, Charlie Thomas, Rod Paige and Stephanie Nellons-Paige, Tina and John Beddow, Joanne and Welcome Wilson Sr. and auctioneer Stephen Lewis and emcee Dominique Sachse.
Blue Cure founder Gabe Canales, from left, Whole Foods co-founder John Mackey, former Houston Texan Chris Myers and former Cleveland Brown Ryan Pontbriand.
