Never Late for This Very Important Date – The Mad Hatter’s Awards Luncheon 2019

January social calendar started with philanthropists from all across Houston gathering at Flemings River Oaks for Nicole’s Garden’s inaugural Mad Hatter’s Awards Luncheon. Dr. Rachel Andress Davis of UnitedHealth Group chaired the whimsical event, and all proceeds from the luncheon helped fund Health Fest Houston. The event featured 10 distinguished honorees, all of whom received beautiful crystal awards from founder Dr. Noreen Khan-Mayberry for their positive impacts on Houston’s health community. Emmy award-winning reporter and Houston favorite, Mia Gradney, served as emcee.

Miss Zoe Lalji, recipient of the Emerging Youth Leader Award, gave a brief presentation on ALS. The presentation was heartfelt and earnest, as Lalji’s father, Dr. Ayeez Lalji, suffers from this incurable neurodegenerative disease.

Guests were encouraged to don their most outrageous hats for the affair, which featured festive music, a wonderful raffle, and a silent auction. Prizes for the auction included two paintings from Houston artist Lloyd Gite from The Gite Gallery. In addition, guests with the most fabulous hats were awarded various prizes.

Honorees from the event featured both philanthropic individuals and local stations such as Telemundo Houston and KRIV Fox 26 Houston. WAITT – We’re All In This Together! received the Community Uplifter Award for their outstanding marketing work connecting business with community.

Spotted in the crowd: Awards recipients Dr. Sippi Khurana, Dr. Crystal Hadnott, Traci Greene, Lisa Helfman, Bianca Bucaram, Cristal Ordonez, Sadaf Choudhry, Mona Khan, Shawntell McWilliams, Christina Zhou, Teresa Cox Reading, and Tracy Faulkner.

Dr. Adrienne Williams

Mia Gradney, Emcee; Dr. Noreen Khan-Mayberry, Founder Nicole’s Garden; Dr. Rachel Andress Davis, Luncheon Chair