Galas and Weddings Bells

Fabulous gowns and sophisticated ladies and gentlemen were spotted at the 11th annual Evening of Hope Gala held at the Westin Galleria Hotel. With Deborah Duncan, host of “Great Day Houston” on KHOU-TV, entertaining the crowd as Master of Ceremonies and Walter Suhr and Mango Punch filling the ballroom with lively music, the mood was festive and fun. This year’s gala raised over $285,000 to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with a record attendance of more than 475 guests.

The main highlight of the evening was an interview with St. Jude patient, Maggie. Her endearing story of her diagnosis and treatment, her struggles and triumphs touched the hearts of everyone. The interview was followed by her singing the song she had written in memory of another patient and her dear friend Odie, entitled ‘Unerasable’, memorable tear jerking moments for everyone present in the room.

In addition, St. Jude honored the family of Stevens Mafrige, Sr. for their continued service and support of the hospital for the last fifty years. The first Lifetime of Service Award was presented to Lois and Les Lewis for their commitment to serving the children and families at St. Jude and in recognition of their work in launching this Gala in 2001.

Meanwhile hundreds of mostly Indian doctors gathered for the 30th Annual Indian Doctors Association Gala. This year proceeds from the silent auction and a live auction went towards the IDC charity clinic that provides free healthcare facilities to Houstonians who are without healthcare coverage and to help with the medical student scholarship fund.

Hybrid Rhythms and playback singer Mahalaxmi kept the audience entertained with Bollywood dances and music. The keynote speaker was TMA President Dr. Bruce Malone.

IDA President Dr. Veena Chandrakar was spotted on her toes making sure the event was smooth flowing. It was an entertaining evening as I had the honor to emcee the gala along with prominent Indian American Doctor and community leader Dr. Subodh Bhuchar. Also spotted at the gala, Nik Nikham, Dr. Jayesh Shah, AAPI Secretary, Uttam Tripathy, Ashok Tripathy, Dr. Raghu Athre, Monica Patel, Sonal Bhuchar, Vijay Bhuchar, Payal Chana, and many others.

Time for news anchors/reporters to get hitched. While Dominique Sachse, the KPRC Channel 2 news anchor and Nick Florescu, a debonair international businessman tied the knot on Saturday May 19, 2012 our very own Miya Shay gets engaged. Last Friday night KTRK Channel 13 news anchor and reporter Miya Shay and state representative candidate Gene Wu enjoyed the company of close friends, fine wine and yummy food bites at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House to celebrate their engagement.

The couple in spite of their busy schedules, manage to give attention and cherish each others company. A destination wedding is on their way in August followed by a reception in September. With event planner/friend Deborah Elias and bridesmaid Kim Padgett, bride Shay has nothing to worry about.