Houston TV News Anchor and Young Professionals Help the Fight Against Parkinson’s

More Than $300,000 Raised in One Night

By Errin Maye // Oct 26, 2018

Photography Priscilla Dickson

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HAPS Gala Event Chairs Anne and Stuart Coco

Lisa and Mike O’Leary

HAPS Gala Host Committee Kristen and Johnny Perry

Chris Stimming, HAPS Medical Advisory Board Dr. Erin Furr Stimming, HAPS Advisory Board Jo and Jim Furr

Jerry Jeanmard, HAPS executive director Kathleen Crist, Cliff Helmcamp

Rod and Pamela Skaufel, HAPS Board President

Peter and Calia Pettigrew, HAPS Gala Young Professional Chairs

Madeline Moreno, Frances Thomson, Kelly Atchison and Izzy Schulte, HAPS Board Member

Fatema Naqvi, Dr. Wasim Khan and Shern-Min Chow, Mistress of Ceremonies

Ashley and Jeff Hurlbert, HAPS Board Member

David and Leslye Weaver, HAPS Advisory Board

Ernesto Jimenez and Dr. Joohi Jimenez-Shahed, Medical Advisory Board Chair

Billy Fitch, Annie Castleberry

Hala and Joe Ahmad, HAPS Board Member

HAPS Board Members Caroline Kerr, Izzy Schulte

Kathy Jankovic and Dr. Joseph Jankovic, HAPS Medical Advisory Board

What: Houston Area Parkinson Society (HAPS) 2018 Annual Awards Gala

Where: The Astorian

PC Moment: The Astorian was the city’s hotspot for more than 350 friends and supporters celebrating Houston Area Parkinson Society (HAPS) 2018 Annual Awards Gala, benefitting programs that are critical to serving the Houston Parkinson’s community.

The night was led by KHOU news anchor Shern-Min Chow as the dynamic mistress of ceremonies. Alongside Chow, chairs Anne and Stuart Coco and Young Professional chairs Calia and Peter Pettigrew organized a delightful evening filled with music, dinner and dancing. Together, they created the perfectly memorable blend of fun and purpose —expanding attendee’s understanding of Parkinson’s and how the community can come together to serve those living with this debilitating disease.

The night was filled with paramount news, including the HAPS’ program announcing the newly established award named in honor of former President George H. W. Bush, inspired by the humanitarian’s legacy as the 41st President and his signing of the Disabilities Act into law in 1990. This landmark piece of civil rights legislation has had a far-reaching impact on the lives of those with disabilities.

Thanks to Valobra Master Jewelers providing a $7,500 gift certificate for the raffle item and the evening’s platinum level underwriters Hala and Joe Ahmad, Judy and Henry Sauer, and the Cocos and the support of attendees, the night successfully raised more than $300,000 for HAPS’ crucial services and programs that will further the mission to improve the quality of life for those affected by Parkinson’s disease through services, education and advocacy.

PC Seen: Gloria Hui and Joiner Cartwright, Jr., Calia and Peter Pettigrew, Cathy and Joe Jankovic, Jo and Jim Furr, Klinka and John Lollar, Francey Pengra and Ed Allday, Lisa and Mike O’Leary, Kristen and Johnny Perry, Drs. Ellin and Robert Grossman, Mimi and Rob Kerr, Marie Fay Evnochides, Judy and Jim Nicklos, Pamela and Rod Skaufel, Gail and Mike Hendryx, Jose Oti and Chef Brandi Key.