Shelby's Social Diary
The Angel Awards enjoy out-of-this-world clout with astronauts in the mix
Photo by Fulton Davenport: PWL Studio
Photo by Fulton Davenport: PWL Studio
Photo by Fulton Davenport: PWL Studio
Photo by Fulton Davenport: PWL Studio
Photo by Fulton Davenport: PWL Studio
Photo by Fulton Davenport: PWL Studio
Little adds more zip to a charity evening than the presence of big-name headliners — even if the headlines were in another century — and so it was at the Angel Awards gala that honored four community leaders and enjoyed the company of two Apollo astronauts who were part of the famed moon program of the 1960s-70s.
The fundraiser at the Crystal Ballroom of The Rice raised $170,000 for Be An Angel, a non-profit that works to improve the lives of children with multiple disabilities or those with profound deafness. This third annual benefit was chaired by Patsy and Felix Rhymes and drew a crowd of 300.
Receiving praise as honorees were trauma surgeon and professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center Dr. Red Duke, professor and cancer researcher at M.D. Anderson Dr. Ellen Gritz, Baylor International Pediatric AIDS Initiative COO Michael Mizwa and Atterro Human Capital Group president and CEO Clay Morel. Each of the honorees was surprised by testimonial videos from their colleagues.
Once again, Dr. Red Duke provided high entertainment at a charity event with his playful comments. Even emcee Bob Boudreaux was captured by Duke's humorous spell.
Adding star power, literally, to the evening were astronauts Walt Cunningham of Apollo 7 fame and Fred Haise of Apollo 13 fame.
Saluting the honorees and astronauts were Susan and Jimmy Olguin, Ed Silliman with Carolyn Farb, Dot Cunningham, Beth and Dave Carter, John Breeding, Karen and Ray Solcher, John Isham and Be an Angel executive director Marti Boone.
