Mission in Motion

Flash mob sets tone for Houston hospital's $4 million gala

Memorial Hermann Foundation’s annual gala lived up to its “Can’t Stop the Feeling” moniker with an electrifying display of energy, emotion, and philanthropy — all sparked by a surprise backflip and a flash mob. The event took place at the Hilton Americas.

Guests were barely settled into their seats when a dancer flipped the night into high gear. A troupe of professionals kicked off a flash mob, soon joined by gala chairs Cheryl Boblitt King and Bill King, honorees Lisa and Jerry Simon, Memorial Hermann leaders, and foundation board members. The choreographed moment captured the essence of the evening: High-spirited, heartfelt, and fully in sync.

The festive vibe was reinforced by a thoughtful musical program. Guitarist and composer Hunter Perrin provided a sophisticated sonic backdrop during the reception, while a soulful invocation by Houston United Voices honored the late Stacy Methvin, Memorial Hermann Health System board chair.

The evening’s deeper mission was clear: Raising crucial funds for the expansion of the Memorial Hermann Life Flight helicopter fleet. Memorial Hermann Health System president and CEO Dr. David Callender emphasized the life-or-death stakes.

What drew a roar from the crowd was learning that more than $4 million had been raised.

Before guests could hit the dance floor, they fueled up on a decadent four-course dinner crafted by Houston favorite Aaron Bludorn. Once the band The New Millennials cranked up their high-energy playlist, it didn’t take long for the dance floor to fill and stay that way well past bedtime.

Seen were Brad and Jill Deutser, Christine and Brent Secrest, Erin Asprec, Albert Yen, Beverly and Jim Postl, Tonya and Dr. David Callender, Gary Moss, Melissa Juneau, Ken and Kathy Wells, Barbara and Bill Easter, Trent and Pamela Aulbaugh, Lawson and Lauren Gow, Lisa and Jerry Simon, Marguerite Swartz, Tony Bradfield, Mary Sage, Mark and Laurie Lashier, Julie and Keenan Lashier, Marty and Liane Phillips, Angie and Zach Matula, Scott and Geraldina Wise, Trini Mendenhall, Philip Royalty, Scott and Lorraine Wegmann, Michael Roussos, Lillian Liao, Steve Trauber, Dr. Jamie McCarthy, Frank Jones, Vitaly and Zhanna Golodryga, Dr. Michelle McNutt, and Dr. Billy Gill.

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Anne Neeson and Craig Janies.

fundraisers memorial hermann

Painted with Purpose

21 Houston doctors trade scrubs for canvases at Arts of Healing gala

Photo by Alida Bonifaz

Chita Craft, Bethany Buchanan, and Nora Jarrard.

Turns out, creativity isn’t just for the canvas. It pulses through the hands of healers, too.

Photo by Alida Bonifaz

Chita Craft, Bethany Buchanan, and Nora Jarrard.

That was the spirit of The Arts of Healing Eighth Annual Gala, where physicians traded lab coats for aprons and oils to showcase their artistic prowess at The Post Oak Hotel on November 8.

Guests — close to 500 — were greeted by a floral fantasia courtesy of Blooming Gallery. A grand circular bar anchored the room, while a curated silent auction, wine pull, and an ultra-chic Valobra raffle for a diamond necklace tempted attendees. The centerpiece? Art by 21 physician-artists being honored that evening lining the entire ballroom.

Among the physicians celebrated for their contributions both in hospitals and on canvas were Dr. Shetal Amin, Dr. Deepak Bedi, Dr. Mark Dannenbaum, Dr. Meshann Fitzgerald, Dr. Matthew Goldman, Dr. Brandon Goodwin, Dr. Mollie Gordon, Dr. Maysoon Hamed, Dr. Emily Jamea, Dr. Henry Kuerer,Dr. JP LeFave, Dr. Dean Moore, Dr. Marlene Morales, Dr. Sehar Najamus, Dr. Eric Powitzky, Dr. Terrence Wadley, Dr. Cindy Williams, Dr. Jose Miguel Yamal, Dr. Sarrah Zadeh, and Dr. Isaac Raijman, who, alongside his wife, Lori Raijman, founded the Arts of Healing Foundation.

Co-chaired by Rachel and Warren Ellsworth IV and Natalie and Mark Bordman, the evening marked a fundraising high, collecting more than $560,000 to support The Arts of Healing and its Sunshine Kids Summer Camp collaboration. The initiative brings children facing cancer from across Texas together for creativity, connection, and joy.

A special musical cameo brought the house down when honoree Dr. Jeff Ross took the stage, trumpet in hand, for a guest appearance with Dry Water Band. The dance floor stayed thumping well into the night, a tribute to the spirit of creativity as medicine.

Summoning their inner Picassos were Sarah Collins, Michele and Youval Meicler, Kristen Collins, Betsy and Jimmy Montgomery, Courtney and Zac Harmon, Kristen Cannon, Cathleen Fishel, Stephanie Wilcox, Alexis Rosales, Faith Majors, Bethany Buchanan, Susan and Steve Beatte, Larry Doty, Vanessa and Chuck Ames, Dana Barton and Robert Clay, Rita Shuma, Jennifer Wisler, Dr. Rukmini Rednam, Dr. Victoria Chang, Dr. Danielle Antosh, Katie Tsuru, and Dr. Kathy Nguyen.

fundraisers