It was giving glamour and giving back.
More than 400 guests stepped into a nine-room wonderland as the Ambassadors for Texas Children’s Hospital staged a full-blown, deck-the-halls takeover of members-only club Park House for their annual holiday fête. Chaired by Mary and John Steen, the evening raised spirits and awareness for Texas Children’s Kangaroo Crew, the elite medical transport team that might just give Santa’s sleigh a run for its money.
From the jump, the scene sparkled with oversized branded ornaments and a toy drive that set a festive, philanthropic tone. Each of the nine themed rooms offered a peek into the world of pediatric care, blending interactive workshops with unexpected touches, like editorial-style Vogue Vignettes and a tectonic plate simulation courtesy of the orthopedic crew. Who says medicine can’t be chic and competitive?
Guests grazed their way through a culinary passport of sushi, Italian bites, and tacos while learning about the hospital’s use of virtual reality to ease young patients’ anxiety. Memberships were even available on-site — tied to LEGO helicopter kits — as a nod to next year’s fundraising efforts.
Dr. Debra F. Sukin delivered heartfelt thanks before the dance floor lit up with a performance from Austin’s Down Hazy, whose members include former Texas Children’s patients.
Spotted spreading holiday cheer were Carolyn and David Anderson, Martha and Marc Carnes, Adoina and Kevin Cokinos, Megan Cushing, Heather and Kevin Faske, Ben and Jen Fink, Julie Friedman, Suzanne and Danny Grant, Erin and Boyd Heath, Lisa and Sanjay Kalavar, Kelli Kickerillo and Todd Forrester, Alice and J.W. Lodge, Tiffany Masterson, Kusum and Cody Patel, Ben and April Renberg, Carolyn Sabat, Dr. Lara Shekerdemian, Leah and Brice Simpson, Mary and John Steen, Alicia and Matthew Summers, Claudia and David Walkup, Dr. Huda Zoghbi, Shiela and Ron Hulme, Brooke and Scott Hutson.
Photo by Jenny Antill for Texas Children’s Hospital
Katie Dillon, Kelli Kickerillo, Todd Forrester, and Julia TenHoeve.
