What: Reveal Celebration of Kinder Children’s Cancer Center
Where: The Nancy and Rich Kinder Building at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
The Scoop: A powerful new chapter in pediatric cancer care officially began with the reveal of the Kinder Children’s Cancer Center, marked by an elegant evening at the Nancy and Rich Kinder Building. The May 14 event drew more than 300 guests eager to witness the unveiling of a landmark $150 million gift from the Kinder Foundation, fueling a joint mission between Texas Children’s Hospital and UT MD Anderson Cancer Center.
The new Kinder Children’s Cancer Center is set to become the nation’s largest and most comprehensive center devoted exclusively to children’s cancer care and research, with the Kinder Foundation’s gift leading a multi-year fundraising campaign.
The occasion opened with a harmonious welcome from the Houston Children’s Chorus, their joyful voices filling the museum’s grand staircase as guests arrived. The air buzzed with emotion and purpose, anchored by heartfelt remarks from Dr. Debra Sukin, president and CEO of Texas Children’s, and Dr. Peter WT Pisters, president of UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, alongside philanthropists Nancy and Rich Kinder.
Their collective vision? Nothing short of ending childhood cancer.
Guests noshed on a spread by City Kitchen — think beef carpaccio, miniature BLTs, and smoked chicken tostadas — while taking in the gravity of the night’s announcement. A touching finale came courtesy of the Houston Chamber Ringers, whose performance echoed through the gallery as guests received crystal bells, a shimmering symbol of hope and healing.
Who: Dr. Steven Sukin, Kathy Pisters, Meghan Pisters, Kevin Eltife, Park and Mary Eliza Shaper, Dan Diprisco, Will Parsons, Richard Gorlick, Jodie and Sunny Messiah-Jiles, Emily Crosswell, Guy Hagstette, Sarah Newbery, Patsy Fourticq, Greg Fourticq Jr., Lovett and Melanie Shaper, Joe and Cathy Cleary, Dr. Huda Zoghbi, Dan and Allison Parsley, and JB Milliken.
Photo by Johnny Than
Rich and Nancy Kinder with Dr. Debra Sukin and Dr. Peter WT Pisters.
