Jo Lynn and Gregg Falgout threw open the doors of their River Oaks swankienda recently to welcome a new contingent in the Memorial Hermann Foundation family — Heroes in Health. More than 200 supporters including a wealth of up-and-comers/young professionals soaked up the grandeur of the Falgouts' new home and gathered on the pool patio for summer socializing.

It was a tasteful launch (Tony's did the catering) for the group that will host special events including networking opportunities, educational programs and casual social gatherings all in an effort to provide members a palpable connection to the Memorial Hermann Healthcare System. The first event is a breakfast meet in September with Memorial Hermann CEO Dan Wolterman, who will speak on health care reform.

Steering committee members making the scene included Bethany and Ben Buchanan, Christine Falgout, Sarah and Max Mischer, Rachel Regan, Jay Zeidman, Veronica and Daniel Schiller, Casey and Will Hedges and Charlotte and David Hedrick. On hand to welcome them all was Memorial Hermann Foundation CEO Ileana Trevino.

 The art of politics

In a rare turn, paintings were not the focus at the John Palmer Art Gallery recently, rather it was Texas politics when artist John Ross Palmer and partner Ryan Lindsay hosted a fundraising reception for Ann Johnson, Democratic candidate for Texas House District 134.

The event fell on the heels of Johnson's endorsement by the Victory Fund & Institute and drew supporters from across party lines as well as art collectors and friends of the Palmer/Lindsay duo. Standing by her woman was Johnson's life partner 2012 Escape artist Sonya Cuellar.

 Time for mint juleps

Drag queens all over town are readying their rhinestone-encrusted fake lashes, the booty extensions and their wigs in anticipation of the 10th annual Mint Julep fundraiser for Legacy Community Health Services. These might not be professional drag queens, but they are good sport bartenders and staffers from area gay bars who've been invited to strut their stuff.

Legacy's Maya Ford says that the performers will be former title holders. "Drag queens such as Ginger Grant, Lesbolicious, Kaye Sedilla and Kitty Kash will make their triumphant returns to the stage in an upbeat and entertaining show for all."

The afternoon event on July 15 at Numbers (doors open at 2 p.m., show at 3 p.m.) stars comedian Vickie Shaw. It's free, but the audience is encouraged to put their dollar bills in bins on the stage as a vote for their favorite entertainer. Last year's frolic raised $40,000.

Honorees are Ms. Mint Julep 2012 Sonna Alton (co-founder of the event), Miss Mint Julep 2012 Shy Anne (aka Keith Nappier) and Mr. Mint Julep 2012 Robert Harwood, Mint Julep emcee since its start.

 Sight 'ems

 Joanne King Herring and girlfriends celebrating her birthday at one of her favorite restaurants — Haven. Joanne is a huge fan of chef Randy Evans' duck pot pie and had it prepared especially for her celebration. Lunch started with tomato sundaes and closed with tasting spoons of chocolate ice box pie and tres leches bread pudding . . .

CultureMap execs Stephen Newman and Matt Williams and editorial top guns Clifford Pugh and Chris Baldwin lunching at Branch Water Tavern where they welcomed CultureMap Dallas editor-in-chief Jennifer Chininis. The new Dallas site is set to launch in the fall.