Houston’s medical community became an artistic collective for The Arts of Healing on November 9, a night of creativity with flair and purpose at the Post Oak Hotel. A record-breaking crowd of more than 500 supporters united to celebrate and fundraise for a cause that champions healing through creativity. The star-studded lineup featured 15 physician-cum-artists who traded lab coats for paintbrushes, sculpting tools, and cameras to create original artworks displayed around the ballroom, draped and uplit in a way that brought a gallery-esque charm to the evening.
This crew proves that talent knows no bounds. Doctors who participated were Brinda Chellappan, Meshann Fitzgerald, Terrance Wadley, Jean-Paul LeFave, Mark Dannenbaum, Dean Moore, Jose-Miguel Yamal, Lauren Langford, Isaac Raijman, Amita Bhalla, Brandon Goodwin, Ed Hirt, Anson Koshy, Dalia Moghazy, Shetal Amin, and Cindy Williams.
Chairs Dr. Tarek Fakhouri and Dr. Hoda Sana and Dr. Randy and Robie Stenoien could not have been prouder as the proceeds soared to more than $550,000 — a new record. Founders Dr. Isaac and Lori Raijman expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the remarkable success.
“Art has proven beneficial in medical and clinical settings — not only to patients, who experience greater healing, but also to the physicians and nurses,” executive director Kristen Collins said.
The funds raised will support several initiatives, including a summer art series led by physicians for children and a four-day summer camp hosted with The Sunshine Kids Foundation for young cancer patients, providing a creative escape during their arduous treatments.
Guests participated in a Valobra raffle, hoping to win a stunning, handmade 18-karat yellow gold necklace, and a wine pull organized by Alexis Rosales proved equally popular. Silent auction chairs Courtney McKinney and Ally Ehrman secured a lovely array of items, spurring guests to bid often. The live auction drew an emotional high note when a piece by Nova, a young cancer patient who recently passed, was offered alongside artwork by the physicians themselves, creating a poignant moment for attendees.
When the live auction concluded, the Dry Water Band amped up the energy, filling the elegant black, white, and gold dance floor until the night’s close.
Spotted in the crowd were Sarah Collins, Michele and Youval Meicler, Betsy and Jimmy Montgomery, Courtney Harmon, Chelsea Collmer, Kristen Cannon, Cathleen and Michael Fishel, Lindsay and Michael Dragos, Bobbie Baker, Stephanie Wilcox, Rachele Goetz Ortega, Fady Armanious, Bethany Buchanan, Courtney Haas, Derrick Shore, Dr. Rachel Ellsworth andDr. Warren Ellsworth, Vanessa and Chuck Ames, Josh and Trisha Weisman, Dr. Frank Lim, Dr. Vinaya Rednam, andDr. Berry Fairchild.