IN A REFRESHING departure from typical gala programming, the Broach Foundation invited David Spade for cocktails and comedy, all in the name of brain-cancer research.

The comedian took to the mic at River Oaks Country Club and entertained hundreds of supporters at the 12th annual gala benefiting the nonprofit, which was established in honor of James Broach. Studio Megan Davis outfitted the ballroom in shades of blue and teal, and selected floral centerpieces of white hydrangeas.

Fred Lang of MD Anderson's neurosurgery department — and who is in charge of the hospital's clinical and translational research laboratory — spoke about the new “biological therapies” being developed to treat brain tumors, and how those therapies have previously been underfunded. To date, the Broach Foundation has given more than $6 million to fund clinical trials to stop the most aggressive form of brain cancer, glioblastoma.

Then Spade, who happily mingled and took photos with guests during the cocktail hour, lightened the mood with an act full of his signature self-deprecating humor and sarcasm. Laughter truly is the best medicine!

Sara Ruppelt, Michelle Young

Barrett and Susan Reasoner

Ryan and Dina Taaffe

Anita O'Shaughnessy, Bess Wareing, Amada Child

Quincy Lenoman, Cory Lenorman, Addlynn Maack

Rainey and Tom Richardson

Brian and Deanna Kotrla

Megan Davis, James Kadlick

Chuck Yates, Laura Haynes

Meg Bres, Kate Bres and Jan Bres

David Spade

Mark and Jennifer Stevenson

Kate Clower, Margaret Roubaud

Lindsey and Trey Black

Lee Majors and David Spade