Shelby's Social Diary

M.D. Anderson ramps it up in Aspen with three gatherings for supporters

Two days, three gatherings — hundreds of summer sojourners were eagerly swept up in the M.D. Anderson embrace as the cancer hospital took its Making Cancer History message to the Rocky Mountain nirvana of Aspen.

The soft sell began with the annual Making Cancer History seminar at Paepcke Auditorium at Aspen Meadows, where 250 interested parties turned out to hear the latest on cancer research. M.D. Anderson Cancer Center president Dr. Ron DePinho was joined in the afternoon program by Dr. Anil Sood, Dr. Sam Hanash, Professor Timothy Thompson and James Allison, Ph.D. chair of Immunology. Joining them on stage during the 45-minute Q&A was Dr. Lynda Chin, professor and chair of Genomic Medicine.

That evening 100 guests mingled at the popular Casa Tua restaurant/club for a shopping party featuring an informal showing of fashions from The Gallerie Aspen, which donated a portion of sales to Anderson. Plenty of gents participated as Board of Visitors member Peggy Sewell of Dallas introduced DePinho and his fellow presenters from the afternoon's program.

Highlight of the Anderson Aspen jaunt each year is the al fresco cocktail reception hosted by Barbara and Gerry Hines at their Roaring Fork riverfront home in the heart of Aspen. More than 250 cancer center friends and supporters joined the festive evening that celebrated the 15th anniversary of the Aspen seminar. While guests socialized beneath a white party tent, they bid on a large painting by Barbara Hines that she donated to the cancer center. Denise Montelone was the high bidder.

In a nod to the cancer center's relationship with the University of Texas, the UT System Board of Regents chairman Gene Powell and wife Dana were in the mix as was UT System Regent Alex Cranburg with Cathy Neville.

Among the participants in the various activities were Estela and David Cockrell, Laura and Andrew McCullough, Amy Pierce, Michael Landrum, George Lancaster, Ericka Bagwell, Fred Malek, Jenee and Bill Bobbora, Fred Bush and Dr. Patricia Hill.

Gerry and Barbara Hines, from left, Drs. Lynda Chin and Ron DePinho at the M.D. Anderson reception in Aspen.

M.D. Anderson events in Aspen Hines reception Gerry Hines and Barbara Hines, Lynda Chin, Ron DePinho July 2013

Photo by Riccardo Savi

Gerry and Barbara Hines, from left, Drs. Lynda Chin and Ron DePinho at the M.D. Anderson reception in Aspen.

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Two-Stepping Bash

Country tunes and Houston's charitable hearts rock for Dec my Room

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Jacob Mansfield, Grace Ward, and Kendyl Mansfield.

A bustling crowd kicked open the doors of the House of Blues for the Eighth Annual "Kick Up Your Boots for Kids" bash, all in support of Dec My Room. The night was set ablaze by the toe-tapping tunes of country stars Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen, transforming the venue on October 24 into a jitterbug jamboree and creating an atmosphere brimming with joy.

Event chairs Laurel Bashaw and Dodi Willingham and founders Kendall Plank and Susan Plank were thrilled about how the extra funds will turbocharge their mission. Since 2007, Dec My Room has adorned nearly 18,000 hospital rooms across 178 institutions, delivering personalized coziness like a warm blanket to pediatric and young adult patients.

Emcee and auctioneer David Ackel kept the energy high as generous Houstonians vied for coveted treasures. Standouts included rare Pappy Van Winkle bourbon bottles and a glimmering necklace from Lugano. A wine and whiskey dinner hosted by Federal Grill’s Matt Brice saw bids skyrocket, leaving winners over the moon. The grand finale was a private management hunt at Sycamore Springs Ranch in Kerrville, Texas.

With over 250 attendees two-stepping and $350,000 raised, the event proved to be a night where generosity danced hand in hand with a rockin’ good time. In the crowd were Laurie and Tracy Krohn, Stacey and Al Lindseth, Mike Plank, Rachel and Tom Regan, Ericka Bagwell, Aimee and Wynne Snoots, Carley and Mike Stasney, Grace and Steven Ward, Monica and Jed Skeet, Marie and Joseph Flanigan, Jessica and Ryan Getz, Denise and Brett Mears, Kiki Wilson, Peggie and Kyle Pentecost.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Jacob Mansfield, Grace Ward, and Kendyl Mansfield.

dec my room fundraisers