Shelby's Social Diary
Besting George Mitchell, the famed Dr. Red Duke stole the show at Men ofDistinction
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Photo by Kim Coffman
Typically, the Men of Distinction luncheon is a fast-paced, no-nonsense, enjoyable fundraiser that fills the ballroom of River Oaks Country Club with notables. That is until last week when Dr. Red Duke, one of five honorees, commandeered the stage in a hilarious wrap-up to the presentations.
As emcee Tom Koch, KTRK Ch. 13 morning news anchor, began reading Duke's introduction, the renowned trauma surgeon and Memorial Hermann Lifeflight catalyst, bolted to the stage, moved Koch aside and said, "These people can read. They don't want to hear that stuff." With that, Duke launched into a zany monologue — part personal history, part jokes — worthy of a Jerry Seinfield routine albeit with a decidedly more downhome, Texas slant.
It's not easy to upstage the accomplishments of oil man and developer George Mitchellbut on this day, Dr. Duke clearly stole the show. Mitchell was honored, as was Duke, along with Holcombe Crosswell, Marc Shapiro and Fred Burns. As Koch described them, "outstanding men who have made an incredible difference in the lives of people from Houston to Galveston and beyond."
Since its inception five years ago, the event has raised more than $1.6 million for biomedical research, education and patient care for children in the Texas Medical Center. This year, as in year's past, all proceeds from the luncheon go directly to medical causes. All costs are underwritten.
Luncheon chair John Eads and the Men of Distinction steering committee scored another hit with this event. The team taking bows included Leslie Bowlin Bennett, Tony Gracely, Harry Mach, Steve Mach, Scott Basinger, David Wuthrich, Ed McMahon and Paul Somerville, who chairs the 2012 luncheon.
