Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston's For All Humanity Luncheon a Great Success

Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston held its fourth annual For All Humanity Luncheon on Jan. 29 at the Junior League of Houston. The event raised more than $125,000 for Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston’s refugee services department which resettles refugees from around the world.

Bill Helms, Paula Sutton, Charles Foster, Eduardo Aguirre Jr

The luncheon honored Eduardo Aguirre Jr., a Cuban refugee and former U.S. Ambassador to Spain and Andorra, with the Refugee Services Humanitarian Award. The award recognizes community leaders who have shown remarkable support for humanitarian work. The event was chaired by Manolo Sánchez with honorary chairs Alan Crain and the Honorable Charles Foster. BBVA Compass led the way as Presenting Sponsor of the event and Baker Hughes followed as the Platinum Sponsor.

“It’s an honor to be recognizing a fellow Houstonian and valued member of our board of directors, who has worked tirelessly assisting people across the globe,” said BBVA Compass Chairman and CEO Manolo Sánchez. “Eduardo’s personal story and his lifelong accomplishments speak to both his character and his courage.”

Additionally, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael Anderson presented the 2013 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award to Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston’s President and CEO, Elliot Gershenson. The award is presented each year to individuals and organizations who have made a positive impact through their achievements in service to the community.

Three hundred people attended the luncheon which started with Latin music from Cuban band El Rectorado Del Son followed by a welcome from Master of Ceremonies Lisa Malosky. Guests heard a heartwarming story of suffering and triumph from Asinja Badeel, a refugee from Iraq. Stories like that are sheer motivation.

Other guests of the luncheon included Diana Untermeyer, Susan Boggio, Bill Helms, Arthur Schechter, Sidney Faust, Barbara Van Postman, Maha Khan, Naureen Malik, Sannam Warrender, Tehmina Masud, Lois Stark, John Reed, Kim Padgett, Anne Whitlock, Shazma Matin, Gordon Quan and J. Kent Friedman.

Photo Credit: Alexander’s Fine Portrait Design