Helicopter Lands on Stage to Deliver $8.25 Million Check in Unforgettable Houston Gala
Virtual Reality Never Made Such a Real Difference Before
BY Shelby Hodge // 05.07.19Jerry & Lisa Simon, Jo Lynn & Gregg Falgout at the Memorial Hermann Circle of Life Gala at Hilton Americas Houston (Photo by Michelle Watson)
What: Memorial Hermann Circle of Life Gala
Where: Hilton Americas-Houston
PC Moment: Through the years, we’ve seen all manner of earnings announcements at charity galas but this was one for the record books with a Life Flight pilot virtually landing on the stage to present chairs Jo Lynn and Gregg Falgout and Lisa and Jerry Simon with $8.25 million, that handsome sum earmarked for Memorial Hermann Trauma and Critical Care Services, one of the nation’s busiest Level 1 trauma centers.
Adding to the fundraising clout, the evening honored long-time Memorial Hermann supporters Ann and Clarence Cazalot. He serves on the Memorial Hermann System Board and as chair of the Finance Committee, while she co-chaired the inaugural Memorial Hermann Razzle Dazzle luncheon, a decade ago.
The action was truly life-like in the evening’s video, produced by Ward and Ames and shown on a 72-foot screen, that took the 1,300-plus guests on a “day in the life” of Memorial Hermann Life Flight. In fact, the surround-sound was so realistic that a few guests playfully wondered if the helicopter had actually landed on the downtown hotel. Further emphasizing the importance of the trauma center, three former patients shared their stories of lives being saved thanks to the critical care they received at Memorial Hermann.
The gala energy ramped up when Atlanta-based party band Simply Irresistible took the multi-level, 48-foot stage and rocked on into the night. Epicenter of the fun was the Sundown Lounge, a late-night lounge within the ballroom where party favors were handed out, cocktails served and light bites offered.
Elizabeth Anthony
PC Seen: Memorial Hermann president and CEO Dr. Chuck Stokes and wife Judy, Melinda and Mike Perrin, Nancy Ames and Danny Ward, Philamena and Arthur Baird, Deborah Cannon, Yvonne and Rufus Cormier, Bobbie Nau, Christine Falgout Gutknecht and Bill Gutknecht, Kimberly and Evan Scheele, Alice and Keith Mosing, Beverly and Jim Postl, Bill King, Donna and Tony Vallone, Dr. Michelle McNutt and Dr. Billy Gill, Anne Neeson and Craig Janies, Nina and Edd Hendee, Yvonne and Walter Johnson, and Michelle and Stephen Fraga.
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