Shelby's Social Diary
America's Got Talent star & nurses become PARTNERS at UTHealth luncheon
America's Got Talent first runner-up, soprano Barbara Padilla, treated University of Texas Health Science Center School of Nursing supporters to her operatic talents at the annual PARTNERS benefit luncheon. She also shared her heart-wrenching story of cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery and the positive impact of nurses during her ordeal.
It was the spring fundraiser in which PARTNERS raises serious dollars for nursing scholarships. The full house of more than 400 guests shared laughs and a few tears as Padilla described her battle with and recovery from cancer.
Organizing the gathering were chairs Nancy Willerson and Kathy Redden, who were joined in the program by PARTNERS board chair Leslie Bennett. She did the honors recognizing luncheon honorees Chris and Maria Pappas for their dedication to the organization.
In the full program, Steve Smith served as emcee and gave a brief history of the non-profit which has raised $1 million in scholarship funds since its founding in 1994. Add to the program UTHealth interim president Dr. Giuseppe Colasurdo and School of Nursing dean Patricia Starck. Also key to the luncheon's success was School of Nursing board president Sheri Henriksen.
This year, PARTNERS will award its 100th full-nursing scholarship.