Golden Anniversary

Houston Parkinson Society celebrates 50 Years of care at golden gala

Fifty years of compassion and service took center stage as the Houston Area Parkinson Society (HAPS) celebrated its milestone anniversary with a golden gala on October 6. The setting was the chic Hotel ZaZa Museum District, where the organization's half-century legacy of aiding the Parkinson's community was evident in the passion of those who support it.

Chaired by the grandchildren of long-time HAPS clients Robert and Doris Hervey, the event radiated warmth and family legacy. Lauri and Doug Dalton, Lisa and Sanjay Kalavar, Laura Laux, and Karen and Jason Walker took the helm to honor the memory of their grandparents, who were deeply involved with HAPS for decades. Robert lived with Parkinson’s for nearly 20 years, with Doris by his side as his devoted caregiver, both playing key roles within the organization and even being celebrated at the 1994 gala. The Hervey family’s story served as a testament to the deep personal connections that have flourished through HAPS over the years.

Trailblazing sports journalist and emcee Lisa Malosky set the tone for the night, guiding attendees through the gala with her grace and poise. In a heartfelt mission moment, HAPS client Jane Vara shared how the organization changed her and her husband's lives following his diagnosis.

"We wouldn’t be where we are today without HAPS," Vara reflected, emphasizing the transformative impact of finding a supportive community during challenging moments.

The gala focused on its purpose: celebrating HAPS' legacy and raising essential funds. And raise they did — more than $365,000. As attendees mingled during the cocktail hour, portraits of HAPS clients and their families adorned the venue, each image paired with personal quotes.

The live auction saw spirited bidding wars over an array of exclusive items. Hot-ticket experiences included a luxurious seven-day stay at a private residence in San Miguel de Allende. Meanwhile, a four-night retreat to Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, and coveted club seats to Usher’s concert at Toyota Center had guests raising their paddles.

A game of heads and tails brought additional energy, with one lucky guest winning a two-night stay at the Wine Barrel Cabins in Fredericksburg. The night concluded with a raffle for a generous $5,000 gift certificate to Tenenbaum Jewelers, leaving one lucky guest positively glowing.

Basking in golden glow were Lisa and Sanjay Kalavar, Karen and Jason Walker, Lauri and Doug Dalton, Laura Laux, Patty and James Samsel, Arlene and Felipe Pontigo, Yung Yung Lai, Eugene Lai, MD and Vindhya Koneru, MD, Angela and Kenneth Cotie, Stan Victor, Bernice Joseph, Carolyn Imbs and Joseph Imbs, DO, Hala and Joseph Ahmad, Cindy Jenkins, Tracie Allgood, Alice Calvin, Claire Calvin, Cliff Helmcamp and Jerry Jeanmard, Rachelle and Chad Helmcamp, Cori and Eric Eaves, Linda Anderson, Kathleen Crist, Erin Furr Stimming, Jo Furr, Asha and Renju Jose Kuruvila, and Mary Majors Payne.

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Linda Anderson and Kathleen Crist.jpeg

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Lone Star Legacy

Galveston museum celebrates Jewish pioneers who shaped Texas

Photo by Jacob Power

Salim and Rita Hayek, Amy Gonzales, and Stephen Janes.

More than 400 guests gathered at The Bryan Museum in Galveston to celebrate a chapter of Texas history that’s often overlooked.

Photo by Jacob Power

Salim and Rita Hayek, Amy Gonzales, and Stephen Janes.

The story of the Lone Star State has always been one of arrivals, ambition, and reinvention, and the 2026 Bryan Museum Gala, themed Texas Our Promised Land, paid tribute to the Jewish pioneers whose journeys left an indelible mark.

Chaired by Lily and Charles Foster, B.J. and Buddy Herz, and Joy and Benjamin Warren, the evening honored the legacy of Rabbi Henry Cohen. Serving as honorary chair was Rabbi Peter Kessler, in honor of Rabbi Jimmy Kessler and Shelley Kessler.

Attendees were greeted by an intricate rose backdrop before exploring a series of activations inspired by Jewish pioneers of Texas. Among the highlights was a recreated 1950s-era Sakowitz storefront window featuring one-of-a-kind garments and footwear originally designed by Sakowitz. A pop-up experience featuring life-size panels of Rabbi Cohen offered guests an early look at Port of Promise: Jewish Pioneers of Texas, the museum’s forthcoming exhibition set to debut in November.

Throughout the historic Galveston Orphans Home, which survived the devastating 1900 Storm, guests mingled with members of the gala committee led by Robert Sakowitz and relatives of Rabbi Cohen who traveled from across the country for the occasion.

Auction enthusiasts had plenty to tempt their bidding paddles, including a private museum tour and dinner with museum founder J.P. Bryan, a Texas Constitutional Chair experience, and an adventure aboard Battleship Texas.

The gala raised more than $800,000 to support The Bryan Museum’s education, exhibition, and outreach initiatives.

On the scene were Mary Jon Bryan, Andrea and John Bryan, Ava Leigh and Ross Pellegrin, Melissa Murphy, Guylene and Jay Lendrum, Kate and Jim Lykes, Dancie and Jim Ware, Jolyn and Russell Sheirman, Angela and Craig Brown, Susanne and Gerald Sullivan, Jocelyn and Billy Sullivan, Sarah and Todd Sullivan, Lisette and Tony Brown, Frances Moody Buzbee and Tony Buzbee, Rebecca and Joe Jaworski, Brittany Sakowitz Kushner and Kevin Kushner, Tissy and Rusty Hardin, Jeff and Laurie Bricker, and members of the Cohen family including Henry Frisch, Sarah Frisch, Ruth Dealy, James Dealy, and Lisa Cohen.

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