Oilman’s $1 Million Gift Brings a Stunned Houston Crowd to Tears

The news was already good and spirits running high as the record-breaking Seven Acres gala was approaching night’s end. Then, mega-philanthropists Sue and Lester Smith dropped a financial bombshell.

The oilman and his wife would contribute $1 million to the kitty that had already swelled to a record $2.5 million. In addition, they issued a 90-day challenge grant for another $1 million. Needless to say, the ballroom of the Hilton Americas-Houston erupted in standing ovations, cheers and applause.

Gala honoree Alan Helfman choked back tears as he read the check total to the stunned gathering of more than 900. Few among them had any knowledge of the windfall gift that was coming for Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services.

“We are astonished at this generous gift of $1 million and also the second matching $1 million gift,” noted Seven Acres board president Judy Yambra. “The generosity of Sue and Lester Smith is beyond our imaginations.”

That gift and the largesse of others in the ballroom, possibly totaling  $4.3 million, would meet a profound need as the ground floor of the long-term care facility was severely damaged by Hurricane Harvey flood waters.

On this celebratory 75th anniversary of the center, gala chairs Sandy Rubin and Judy and Michael Feinstein, all Seven Acres board members, selected “Diamonds Are Forever” as the theme. Joining them in adding to the bottom line were the efforts of auction chairs Michael Wiesenthal and Rhoda and Steve Saka, and raffle chairs Vicky and Michael Richker.

Helfman was on stage, along with his wife Renee, to receive the Joyce Proler Schechter Spirit of Life Award, the honor recently renamed in honor of the past Seven Acres board president and long-time supporter.

Who: Joyce and Arthur Schechter, Karen and Buster Freedman, Jeri and Marc Shapiro, Estelle and Lester Kastleman, PaperCity president Jim Kastleman, Donna and Tony Vallone, Jennifer and Constable Alan Rosen, Ann and J. Kent Friedman, Leslie and Hedley Karpas, State Rep. Sarah Davis, Constable May Walker, State Rep. John Zerwas and wife Sylvia and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.