Memorial Hermann Foundation Annual Circle of Life Gala Gets Attendees “Pumped” with an Inspiring Virtual Experience
What a memorable evening it was for us to be fortunate enough to be included in the audience for Memorial Hermann’s first Virtual Gala. The hard work and life-changing impact of Memorial Hermann’s Adult and Pediatric Heart and Vascular Services was recognized Saturday, Aug. 29 by attendees of the annual Circle of Life “PUMPED” gala, which this year moved to a virtual format due to COVID-19. Garnering more than $2.6 million, the gala was chaired by Elizabeth and Gary Petersen and honored Alice and Keith Mosing for their continued support of the health system.
A 30-minute, pre-taped program produced by Ward & Ames Special Events felt like just the perfect amount of time for the experience. It included remarks by the Memorial Hermann Health System President and CEO Dr. David Callender, Memorial Hermann Foundation Executive Vice President and CEO Anne Neeson and event co-chair Gary Petersen, who provided a moment of comedic relief when he shared his take on virtual gala formal wear by revealing a colorful pair of banana-print shorts so well-paired with his classic tuxedo jacket!
“COVID-19 has pushed us into a new era, and tonight is a great example of embracing flexibility to ensure everyone’s safety while still celebrating together,” said Callender. “Whether we are taking care of patients during a pandemic or facing challenges during major seasonal storms, Memorial Hermann stands ready and prepared to do what is needed to serve our community. None of this would be possible without the support of everyone joining us tonight, so thank you for helping us make a difference in so many lives.”
Dr. Tom Nguyen, a cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon, reminded attendees that even in the midst of a pandemic, Memorial Hermann is still caring for patients no matter what their health needs are, and reminded those at home to maintain routine checkups. An inspiring video presentation followed highlighting the work of Memorial Hermann’s Adult and Pediatric Heart and Vascular Services told through the stories of five former patients, Oscar Betello, Tim Cobb, Abigail Franklin, Jessica Oilero and Bill Creager and the affiliated physicians from the McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston who treated them.
“While we may not be gathering in-person tonight, the reason for us being together remains the same. We are here to celebrate the hard work and dedication of the Memorial Hermann Heart and Vascular team as they continue to build a legacy of heart and vascular care through ground-breaking innovations and life-changing advancements,” said Neeson. “Tonight is also about thanking our honorees, Alice and Keith Mosing, who are a driving force behind Memorial Hermann’s work, and who make a difference in the lives of others each and every day.”
The Mosings were recognized for their outstanding legacy of support of Memorial Hermann. The couple provided significant funding for The Fetal Center at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, which is now named in their honor, and have been staunch supporters of Dr. Richard Smalling’s Alliance for Myocardial Infarction Care Optimization Project. Both are annual supporters of the Circle of Life Gala and Razzle Dazzle Luncheon. In addition, Keith currently serves as a member of the Memorial Hermann Foundation Board.
The evening’s many uplifting moments included two of my favorite musical offerings first from Veritas, who performed “You Raise Me Up” for the invocation, and the Ernest Walker Community Singers featuring Ashley Tamar Davis and Gene Moore, who closed the program with “Rise Up.”
The evening’s program was accompanied by some tasty fare. In recognition of their continued support, sponsor couples to $15,000 donors received a custom cooler tote bag with cheese and charcuterie, wine and special treats from Central Market. Sponsors contributing $25,000 and more received a gourmet four-course meal from Tony’s and an Aperture Cabernet Sauvignon. Speaking for myself and my hubby, receiving the charcuterie and wine were such a great addition to a most enjoyable evening.
Below are some fun pics from many of the highlights and of special people in the audience that show the spirit of the evening……casual or dressy or in our case, we were on the same wave length as Gary Peterson, and went gala on top and super leisure (shorts and sweat pants) on the bottom. It was no accident that this very well thought-out and planned event by the Memorial Hermann foundation team was one for the record books…..a Virtual Gala to be remembered!
Memorial Hermann Virtual Pumped Gala 
Memorial Hermann Virtual Pumped Gala 
Memorial Hermann Virtual Pumped Gala 
Wonderful piece, ROZ!
Wow…..hi Tammy, it’s been too long. Great to hear from you and would love to re-connect at some time!!? xo