Memorial Hermann’s Annual Circle of Life Gala is always a spectacular event but this year, it even topped itself when 1,300 guests watched intensely as the event opened with a riveting video, produced by our town’s Ward and Ames Special Events and presented on a 72-foot video screen literally brought attendees along for the ride in a “day in the life” of Memorial Hermann Life Flight. The trauma and critical care services teams, powerfully illustrated the lasting effect on families who have been positively touched by Memorial Hermann.
The helicopter onstage presented a check for $8.25 million to benefit Memorial Hermann Trauma and Critical Care Services. A most moving part of the presentation was the recognition of three different former trauma patients who, at different stages of their lives, each benefited from the delivery of that lifesaving care. I was particularly moved by the story of three year old Gray, who after suffering a freak accident in his home bathroom’s life was saved by Life Flight…..as I watched and listened to his Dad relate the story, his grandmother stood weeping next to me, quite a touch of reality for me.
The Gala was chaired by well-known community leaders, Jo Lynn and Gregg Falgout and Lisa and Jerry Simon and brought in a historic $8.25 million to benefit the Memorial Hermann Trauma and Critical Care Services. Honorees for the evening were longtime health system champions Ann and Clarence Cazalot, whose continued leadership and generosity to Memorial Hermann through the years was honored that night. Clarence currently serves on the Memorial Hermann System Board, chairing the Finance Committee. Ann is extremely passionate about early detection of breast cancer, being a survivor herself and co-chaired the inaugural Razzle Dazzle luncheon for Memorial Hermann.
After much attention to the very serious and important reason that we were all there for the evening, the party revved up and celebrating began as the theater wall opened to reveal a 48-foot multi-level stage presenting an awesome performance by Atlanta-based dance band Simply Irresistible. The late-night lounge housed within the ballroom, “Sundown Lounge” was he place to be for partygoers wishing to dance and sing along with this great band.
Many of Houston’s social crowd came out to support Memorial Hermann and have a great time doing it. Some faces in the crowd were Susan Sarofim, Yvonne and Rufus Cormier, Beverly and Jim Postl, Donna and Tony Vallone, Margaret Alkek Williams and Jim Daniels, Bill Stubbs, Councilman Jack Christie and many others shown below……
Memorial Hermann Life Flight crew during the onstage presentation
Photos courtesy of Michelle Watson and Wilson Parish