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    Razzle Dazzle 'Em

    Lots of Razzle Dazzle at Radiance luncheon with glittery brooches, Steve Tyrell tunes

    Clifford Pugh
    Oct 16, 2017 | 10:33 am

    Razzle Dazzle is always the theme of the annual luncheon supporting early detection and outreach programs at the Bobetta C. Lindig Breast Care Center at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center. But this year's edition at the Westin Houston Memorial City hotel took on additional sparkle.

     

    At one point early in the program, co-chairs Philamena Baird and Regina Garcia noted that the luncheon theme was "Radiance" and instructed each of the 500 guests who received a gold satin pouch at their table to open it, revealing a sparkling rhinestone brooch the size of fist.

     

    "Whether you are a cancer survivor, a caregiver, or someone who is simply going through a tough time, having a positive attitude can help so many,” Baird said. “As a sign of unity, we ask that you wear this brooch and make a commitment to share your radiance in the world.”

     

    Grammy Award-Winning producer and vocalist Steve Tyrell added his own sparkle by singing six of his favorite songs that had the crowd wanting to get up and dance. Tyrell also moving shared stories about his late wife, Stephanie, whom he lost to cancer 14 years ago.

     

    “Helping those with cancer and caring for their loved ones is God’s work,” Tyrell told the audience. “We have to roll up our sleeves and get the job done."

     

    Three-time breast cancer survivor Hallie Vanderhider, a managing partner with Denver-based SFC Energy Partners, was honored for her community service. "She's a woman of substance and of style," Memorial Hermann Foundation CEO Anne E. Neeson said in introducing Vanderhider.

     

    "Nobody can do all that we can as a community do by ourselves," Vanderhider said. "It takes us all pulling together."

     

    Many in the audience wore pink, the color of breast cancer awareness, but none could top Dr. Yvonne Cormier, a Best Dressed Hall of Famer who recently dazzled guests in a custom Oscar de la Renta gown at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Grand Gala Ball. For the Radiance luncheon, Cormier donned pink scrubs embroidered with her name.

     

    "I decided to wear my special Memorial scrubs for the luncheon because that is what I do during the day," she explained. "I have always wanted to wear my business attire for that luncheon — with heals of course."

     

    Others spotted in the star-studded crowd were Memorial Hermann Foundation Board chair Susan Sarofim, Kelly Krohn, Bobbie Nau, Rosemary Schatzman, Kristina Sommerville, Holly Alvis, Bobetta Lindig, Memorial Hermann Health System president and CEO Chuck Stokes, breast cancer survivor Leigh Rozelle, who shared her story with the audience, and Channel 11 anchor Len Cannon, who emceed the luncheon, and his wife, Bernadette Verzosa.

     

    Also enjoying the luncheon were Tenenbaum Jewelers' Tony Bradfield, who donated a $10,000 gift card as a grand raffle item, Diane Lokey Farb, Merele Yarborough, Donna Vallone, Stacy Johnson, Franelle Rogers, Soraya McClelland, Kelley Lubanko, Gina Gaston, Carol Linn, Fady Armanious, and Robin Mueck.

     

    The luncheon raised $300,000, boosted by two opportunities to see Tyrell's holiday show at Café Carlyle at the Carlyle Hotel in New York City, auctioned off by Memorial Hermann Foundation board member Bill King, who also offered a sunset sail in Galveston Bay for 16 offered on his 68-foot yacht.

     

    Jacqueline Kinlock, Merele Yarborough, Gina Gaston.

    Memorial Hermann Razzle Dazzle luncheon, Jacqueline Kinloch, Merele Yarborough, Gina Gaston
      
    Photo by Michelle Watson/CatchLight Group
    Jacqueline Kinlock, Merele Yarborough, Gina Gaston.
    fundraisersluncheons
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    Spritzed With Style

    Houston charity’s Pearls of Wisdom gala is a real gem of a night

    Joel Luks
    Jul 14, 2025 | 3:02 pm
    Vita Living Pearls of Wisdom gala 2025
    Photo by Andy Phan
    Brian Crawmer, Sarah Crawmer, Marilyn and David Guion.

    Some came for the Aperol Spritz, others for the cause, and all left a little more hopeful.

    Vita Living Pearls of Wisdom gala 2025
      

    Photo by Andy Phan

    Brian Crawmer, Sarah Crawmer, Marilyn and David Guion.

    On a lively evening at River Oaks Country Club, guests gathered for Vita Living’s annual Pearls of Wisdom gala, where community, compassion, and a splash of Italian flair came together for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

    Chaired by Kristen Perrin, Pamela Perilloux, and Bryan P. Smith, the evening began with a color-splashed cocktail hour, where attendees mingled in vibrant attire, sipping spritzes and eyeing a meticulously curated silent auction. Among the standout items were a six-night escape to a riverfront condo near Beaver Creek (courtesy of Doug Dawson), a luxury three-night getaway to Chablé Yucatán Chocholá (thank you, Chablé), and a striking aluminum-mounted photograph, Golden Koi by Joe C. Aker, gleaming with texture and motion.

    Emcee Kip Altstaetter opened the program with warmth and wit. Joseph Cooper, Vita Living CEO, delivered the invocation before passing the mic to the evening’s co-chairs for special remarks. Guests then watched a moving video introduced by Myrla Menn and Beth and John Hoffman, which offered an intimate look at the lives changed by Vita Living’s services.

    The live auction helmed with high energy by Johnny Bravo Entertainment brought gala-goers to their feet, paddles flying in support of the nonprofit’s essential work. But the night didn’t end with dinner and donations. Supporters lingered and celebrated with a late-night gelato bar and warm camaraderie.

    Founded in 1982, Vita Living has grown from a single home created by founder Renée Wallace for her son to a network of 20 group homes across Houston. The organization’s case management program serves more than 300 children and adults across seven counties.

    This year’s record-breaking total — $207,000 raised — underscores the community’s growing commitment to supporting inclusive care and lifelong dignity.

    Among the 300 present were Kara Willis, Charcole Santiago, Peter and Krystyna Cawthorne, Jim Roberts, David Payne, Clint Fritts, Andrew Campbell, Eddie and Kim Perdomo, Brian and Sarah Crawmer, David and Marilyn Guion, Larry and Christina O’Donnell, Chris Mehling, Lorraine Olah, Bella McNeill, Jonathan Puig, Ellie Rotan, Juliana Workman, Forrest and Katie Wynn, Louis and Ashley Pearce, Chandos Dodson Epley, Evans and Theresa Attwell, Mariquita Masterson, and Andy and Ashley Mejia.

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