Teen Health Drive Draws Houston Power Players to River Oaks Country Club

It’s difficult to believe that the Baylor College of Medicine Teen Health Clinic, has been providing health services for teens in inner-city neighborhoods across Harris County for half a century. That milestone was celebrated at River Oaks Country Club with the Foundation for Teen Health annual “Hope for the Future” luncheon.

The significance of the work done by the clinics in reducing teen pregnancies, providing health screenings and dental services was evidenced by the turnout of civic leaders including Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, State Representative Sarah Davis, State Senator Borris Miles, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, City Councilman Jerry Davis, Harris County District Clerk Chris Daniels, and Judges Mike Fields and Clarease Yates.

The luncheon was packed with action including board member Jan Carson at the mic as emcee, luncheon chair Doe Florsheim sharing statistics on the clinics’ successes and remarks from HISD interim superintendent Grenita Lathan, who received a standing ovation.

Highlight of the fundraiser were the award presentations. The June and Virgil Waggoner Award for Volunteerism was given to Lauren Randle. Phyllis Williams and Lauren’s father, Dr. Lucious Randle, did the honors while Congresswoman Jackson Lee presented the young attorney with a commendation letter from the U.S. House of Representatives. State Rep. Davis presented a state proclamation honoring Bess and Rob Wilson, recipients of  the Dr. Peggy Smith Award for Professional Excellence.

An added note to the proceedings was a $10,000 check from the foundation, presented by Dr. Peggy Smith, to the Harris County Precinct One Street Olympics. Commissioner Ellis and Street Olympics director Yvette Chargois received the check on behalf of the organization.

Who: Susan Sarofim, Henry Florsheim, Cornel Williams, Karen Randle, Barbara Robertson, Yvonne Cormier, Tracy Livingston, Cary Yates, Eileen Lawal, Elise Wilkinson, Sylvia Dorsey, Barbara Van Postman, Gail Rauht, Gretchen Ferguson, Jan Ross, and Shirley Dannenbaum.