There is proof positive that the creative talents of youngsters cannot be thwarted, even in the face of serious illness. Just check in with the youthful patients at M.D. Anderson, who each year create artistic designs that are featured in the sale of gift merchandise to raise funds for pediatric patient programs at the cancer center.
Those talented artists were spotlighted at the annual Gold Star luncheon on the ice rink at The Galleria, luncheon co-sponsor along with the Children's Art Project. Youngsters who participated in the program were all presented awards for their work. Their talents generate funds for programs that touch more than 26,000 pediatric patients and their families. Since its founding in 1973, the art project has generated more than $30 million.
Sharing the notoriety with the young patients were luncheon honorees Nancy Brown Loeffler, Ashley Copeland Loeffler and Lauren Loeffler Powers.
They were applauded by 370 attendees who were served lunch by A Fare Extraordinaire and who were entertained with a fashion show compliments of The Galleria, Neiman Marcus and Simon Fashion Now.
Heading up the event were Children's Art Project executive director Shannan Murray, professor and head of the M.D. Anderson's division of pediatrics Dr. Eugenie Kleinerman, Galleria director of marketing Jenny Harris and Simon Fashion Now style expert Jacque Ellis.
Supporters included Claire and Michael Westmoreland, Courtney O’Neil, Emily and Jill Brlansky, Jennifer Gordon, Kirsten and Anita Guerra, Laine Santamaria and Ruthie Williams.
Courtney O'Neil, from left, Natalie Agee, Molly Ferguson and Ashley Loeffler at the M.D. Anderson Gold Star luncheon.
