A dozen high-profile philanthropists from three families, representing two generations of giving, took bows at River Oaks Country Club as honorees at the "Crystal Ball," celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Huffington Center on Aging at Baylor College of Medicine.
Further reflecting on generations of philanthropy, Michael Huffington and Terry Huffington, the two children of the late Phyllis and Roy Huffington for whom the center is named, served as honorary chairs as did Terry's husband, Dr. Ralph Dittman.
The first family taking bows for their community generosity were honorees Joan Lyons, Stacey and Ted Lyons and Linda Lyons Brown and Greg Brown. Oilman Bruce Sallee, his wife Jaleh and their daughters, Sarah Sallee and Stephanie Sallee, were honored as well. Recognized for three generations of philanthropy, which began with the late Margaret and Albert Alkek, were Margaret Alkek Williams and her son and daughter-in-law, Charles Williams and Randa Duncan Williams.
The black-tie gala was chaired by a powerhouse team of couples — Donatella and Fred Benckenstein, Mehrnaz and Ned Gill, Betty and John Hrncir and Bain Pearson and John Pitts. Thanks to their efforts, the festive evening raised more than $471,000 for the Huffington Center's mission to improve the quality of people's lives as they age.
This ageless crowd included emcee Jan Carson, Mary and Tony Gracely, Nidhika and Pershant Mehta, Maryann and Jodie Hoffer, Nancy and Jack Dinerstein, Baylor College of Medicine president and CEO Dr. Paul Klotman, Meg and Dr. Cecil Christensen, Tim Connolly, Hui Zheng and Xiangwei Wu.
Sarah Sallee, from left, Jaleh and Bruce Sallee and Stephanie Sallee at the Huffington Center on Aging Gala.
