No need to re-invent this fab gala. The Memorial Hermann Foundation seems to get it right every year and with its "C'est la Vie" black-tie bash on Saturday, they scored big on every level. More than 1,600 guests raised more than $2.7 million while enjoying a French-infused soirée magnifique.

Applause, applause for gala chairs Ann and Clarence Cazalot and the Memorial Hermann Foundation team, which makes this evening flow flawlessly. And you just can't go wrong with as highly a respected honoree as Walter Johnson, civic leader, philanthropist, Amegy Bank of Texas chairman and dedicated supporter of the Memorial Hermann Healthcare System.

Dressed in black-tie finery, guests poured into the colorful ballroom where party designer Darryl Murchison had crafted a virtual stage set of things French from a soaring Eiffel Tower (and mini towers on various tabletops) to French-style lamp posts to voluminous floral centerpieces. It was indeed ooh-la-la.

What would this gala be without Wayne Foster Entertainment of Beverly Hills! Year after year, this rocking showband gets the crowd on its feet and on the dance floor, which remains packed until closing time. Such was the case Saturday when the moment the music started,the tables vacated and the dancing revved up.

Key players on this evening included Memorial Hermann Healthcare System CEO Dan Wolterman, who led the program that remains short and sweet, guaranteeing that the attention span of the heavily-packed ballroom remains in force; Memorial Hermann Foundation CEO Ileana Trevino and healthcare system board chair Robert Croyle.

In the vibrant mix were Keith Mosing, Sheridan and John Eddie Williams, Jo Lynn and Gregg Falgout, Susan Krohn and Patrick Gehm, Tricia and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, Soraya and Scott McClelland, Dr. Sherri Levin and Craig Rapp, Beverly and Jim Postl, Arvia and Jason Few, Sandy and Dr. Barney Barrett and Margaret Williams on the arm of Jim Daniel.