Society

Houston’s Men of Distinction Revealed as Powerhouse Fundraiser Pushes Past the $4.5 Million Mark

13 Years in, This Tradition Still Draws Heavy Hitters

By Shelby Hodge // May 7, 2019

Photography Priscilla Dickson

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The Men of Distinction luncheon follows all the rules for a successful event. Here 2019 event chair Dr. Devinder Bhatia, grant recipients Dr. Matt Harting, Dr. Ennio Tasciotti, Dr. Ava Brosovich. (Photo by Priscilla Dickson)

Bobby & Phoebe Tudor, David Wuthrich at the Men of Distinction luncheon. (Photo by Priscilla Dickson)

Jim Crownover, Rufus Cormier at the Men of Distinction luncheon. (Photo by Priscilla Dickson)

Scott Evans, Warner Roberts at the Men of Distinction luncheon. (Photo by Priscilla Dickson)

Tony Gracely, Debra Burbridge, Sean Burnett, Deven Nongbri at the Men of Distinction luncheon. (Photo by Priscilla Dickson)

Butch & Carmen Mach at the Men of Distinction luncheon. (Photo by Priscilla Dickson)

Tracy Dieterich, Pierce Bush at the Men of Distinction luncheon. (Photo by Priscilla Dickson)

Ed McMahon, John Daugherty at the Men of Distinction luncheon. (Photo by Priscilla Dickson)

John Mangum, Jesse Tutor at the Men of Distinction luncheon. (Photo by Priscilla Dickson)

Marguerite Swartz, Tony Bradfield at the Men of Distinction luncheon. (Photo by Priscilla Dickson)

Jerry & Lisa Simon at the Men of Distinction luncheon. (Photo by Priscilla Dickson)

Dr. David & Pam Ott at the Men of Distinction luncheon. (Photo by Priscilla Dickson)

Welcome Wilson Sr., Welcome Wilson Jr. at the Men of Distinction luncheon. (Photo by Priscilla Dickson)

Tara Wuthrich, Jan Duncan at the Men of Distinction luncheon. (Photo by Priscilla Dickson)

Pam & Archie Thompson at the Men of Distinction luncheon. (Photo by Priscilla Dickson)

What: The 13th annual Men of Distinction luncheon

Where: River Oaks Country Club

PC Moment: The country club ballroom pulsated with a level of energy that can be attributed only to the heavy-hitter group that gathered to raise funds for pediatric medical research in the Texas Medical Center and to honor outstanding Houston gents. Taking bows as honorees were Stewart Morris, Sr., Dr. David Ott, Bobby Tudor and Welcome Wilson, Sr.

Since its inception the fast-paced event has raised more than $4.5 million. On this day, chaired by Dr. Devinder Bhatia, $100,000 grants were presented to Dr. Matt Harting, pediatric surgeon at Children’s Memorial Hermann; Dr. Ennio Tasciotti, director of the Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration at Houston Methodist, and his associate Dr. Ava Brosovich; and Dr. Alessandro Grattoni, chair of nano medicine at Houston Methodist.

As is tradition with this fundraiser, Let It Fly Events organized decor, Gittings provided photographs of the honorees, Flowers by Nino contributed the florals and top-ranking early morning news host Tom Koch, KHOU Channel 13 ABC, served as congenial emcee.

PC Seen: Tara and David Wuthrich, Jan Duncan, Jason Fertitta, Rufus Cormier, Phoebe Tudor, Ric Campo, Jim Crownover, Pam Ott, Charlie Thomas, Joanne Wilson, Ed McMahon, Maria Bush, Pierce Bush, Cora Sue and Harry Mach, Carmen Mach, Mike Stude, Gina Bhatia, Jim Dannenbaum, Keith Mosing, Tony Bradfield, Lisa and Jerry Simon, and Diane and John Riley.