Celebrating Houston’s World-Class Medical Community, ‘Brave Heart’ Gala Is a Good Time After a Trying Year

Celebrating Houston’s World-Class Medical Community, ‘Brave Heart’ Gala Is a Good Time After a Trying Year

Claire Davis, Jessica Bernica, Liz Bernica and Annie Bernica

IF THERE'S A group of Houstonians worthy of being celebrated in 2021, it's our medical professionals. The Brave Heart gala, chaired by June and Kenneth Mattox, toasted the contributions of the medical community and raised funds for the Health Museum.


Held at the Four Seasons, the evening started off with a soundtrack by Divisi Strings' Amp'd Quartet. Two hundred guests were seated for dinner and a program that included a testimony from transplant surgeon Ronald Cotton, who said he was inspired to pursue med school after a visit to the Health Museum in high school.

A "gift wall," sponsored by Tenenbaum Jewelers, touted enviable party favors, and the live auction — with items like a Colorado vacation, diamond earrings and a private tour of the Michael E. DeBakey Library and Museum with Dr. Mattox — contributed to the evening's total till of $317,000.

A DJ from Divisi Strings ensured every guest got on their feet by spinning tunes from the'70s, '80s, '90s and beyond.

Kenneth and June Mattox, Greg and Liz Bernica and John Arcidiacono

Swan and Theo Franklin

Elsie Whitmire

Susan and Ward Pennebaker

Sujit Prabhu and Yvonne Kew

Ron Cotton

Russell Wellstead and Danielle Bennet Wellstead

Stacy Davis

Annette Monks

Parties
Leadership in Action: ‘Setting Clear Goals’ Among Secrets of Success for Attorney Jess Bailey

How did you get to where you are today? A few key principles integrated into my life: setting clear goals, maintaining a growth mindset, building strong habits, and surrounding myself with the right people. Goals provided direction, while a growth mindset helped me turn challenges into opportunities for learning. Consistent habits, like disciplined work and effective communication, kept me moving forward. Being surrounded by motivated, supportive individuals has elevated my standards and kept me accountable. They’ve provided advice, encouragement, and sometimes that extra push I needed to stay on track. With these elements, I’ve been able to create a framework that helps me succeed and ensures I continue to grow and evolve.

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places

Lauren Anderson and Fady Armanious

EVER A GLAMOROUS event, the Houston Ballet's annual black-tie ball was a glimmering affair at the Wortham, where 500 guests joined event chairs Kristy and Chris Bradshaw and Melissa Juneau.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment

Gayla Gardner, Jacquie Baly and Julie Baker Finck

THE DOCTOR IS in! One of Houston’s most engaged civic leaders, Jacquie Baly, has a new title after earning her Doctorate in Education and Organizational Change & Leadership from USC. And some of the city’s heavy hitters turned up for a swanky reception at Tony’s to congratulate her. “Education and community leadership go hand in hand,” said Dr. Baly. “This honor fuels my continued mission to create meaningful change.”

And they weren’t alone in their admiration. Both the City of Houston and the State of Texas declared the day of the to-do “Dr. Jacquie Baly Day,” complete with official proclamations.

Keep Reading Show less
Style+Culture