It's been a successful 10 years of advocacy and fundraising for the Partnership for Baylor College of Medicine. So it was only fitting that supporters, more than 300 strong, kicked up their heels recently in celebration of the start of the organization's second decade.

Hosting the al fresco soirée at the new Highland Tower were Pelican Builders and president Robert Bland, developer of the just-opened high-rise condo on Bancroft, between Westheimer and San Felipe. Pelican is a new sponsor of the Partnership's annual luncheon lecture series.

Guests gathered on the high-rise's palm-shaded terrace level where a lagoon-style pool and 1/2-acre of lush landscaping provided a rich backdrop for the celebration.

More than just a schmoozing opportunity, the cocktail party itself raised $25,000 for the BCM Partnership's 2010-2011 selected project — ovarian cancer research. Matching funds came from the Smith Foundation and the University of Houston. And that was just the beginning.

Partnership president Connie Haddox announced an unexpected gift of $100,000 from the Mabee Foundation with matching funds again from the Smith Foundation and UH. The big cha-ching for the night — $325,000.

Wearing major grins as a result of the unprecedented mid-summer success were chairs Jan Carson, Mary Ann McKeithan and Patricia Harrison. Taking bows as honorary chairs were Amber Baker, Tom Becker and Betty Hrncir.

Bonuses for guests included music by the Freedom Jazz Trio, informal fashion show from Leonard Rutan and tours of the condo showcase model designed by The Frog at Home.

Joining in the festivities were Barbara and Uylesse LeGrange, BMC researchers Dr. Matthew Anderson and Dr. Martin Matzuk, BMC senior director of Institutional Advancement Judy Howell ad husband Steven Howell, David McKeithan, Pat Harrison, Margaret Williams and Jim Daniel, Mabee Foundation trustee Ed Jones and BMC veep of Institutional Advancement Lisa Kennedy.