With a cultural cornucopia of guests, honorees and entertainment, Interfaith Ministries celebrated the city's diversity at the Hilton Americas-Houston and raised $950,000 in the process. It was a bounty for the non-profit that brings together diverse faiths in a variety of collaborative programs and community service.
In salute to H-Town's multiple faces, many of the 750 guests wore their ethnic costumes, creating a colorful tableau as backdrop for the four-course Indian dinner. Entertainment glorified diversity as well with a number of performances including violinist Achron Gabriel Maffuz-Anker, vocal pieces by Kenneth Gayle Productions and Bollywood dancing by Infused Performing Arts and DAV Montessori School.
Dr. Sushma and Devinder Mahajan were honored with the Tapestry Award while the event also celebrated Elliot Gershenson, retiring Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston president and CEO. Touching retirement tributes were given by mayoral candidate Bill King and Frazier Wilson, vice president of Shell Oil Company Foundation.
Paula Sutton and Bill Gross, Karen and Jay Harberg and Leena and Ash Shah served as chairs while Anne and Dr. John Mendelsohn served as honorary chairs.
Representing a variety of cultures and faiths were guests including Lily and Charles Foster, Philamena Baird, Neda Ladjevardian, Harry and Marian Tindall, Diana Untermeyer, Regina Rogers, Arthur Schechter, Kay and Fred Zeidman, Counsul General of India Parvathaneni Harish, the Rev. Bill Lawson and Marie Bosarge.
Indian Consul General Parvathaneni Harish, from left, Srimathi Nandita, and honorees Dr. Sushma and Devinder Mahajan.
