Memorial Hermann Foundation celebrated the 30th anniversary of Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital at its annual Circle of Life Gala on Saturday, April 29. The festive birthday “CELEBRATION”-themed event was held at the Hilton Americas-Houston and chaired by Memorial Hermann System Board members Diane and Bill Campbell and Elizabeth and Will Galtney. The occasion also honored long-time corporate partner H-E-B and Memorial Hermann board member and H-E-B Houston CEO Scott McClelland. With 1,600 guests in attendance including KHOU’s Len Cannon as emcee, the gala raised $3.1 million to benefit Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital’s specialty programs and services.
During remarks, Dr. Benjamin K. Chu, president and CEO of Memorial Hermann Health System and Anne E. Neeson, Executive Vice President and CEO of Memorial Hermann Foundation, and the event chairs introduce a touching video honoring former pediatric patients together. Guests were brought to tears as the video shared the struggles and successes of three former patients and the determined physicians who gave each story its happy ending. Following the video, all of the patients walked onstage and received a standing ovation.
In the spirit of the birthday celebration, the large ballroom was divided into colorful sections, with centerpieces filled with flowers and balloons. During the festivities, a parade of 40 waitstaff, each with three-tiered birthday cakes in hand, marched out to the drums of the Waltrip High School “Roaring Red” Ram marching band.
After an exciting evening of dancing and entertainment, guests were invited into “Celebration Cellar, an exclusive, late night lounge featuring light bites, cocktails, music and party favors; a new component of the gala this year.
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