A LUNCHEON IN support of the Menninger Clinic, Houston’s mental health facility with a worldwide reputation, was held at the Hilton Post Oak. “The importance of speaking openly about mental health and encouraging others to do the same was a recurring message,” said a rep for the event’s organizers.

Charles Haley, an NFL Hall of Famer and former Dallas Cowboy player, was the keynote speaker, chatting openly with event emcee Melanie Lawson of local TV about his own struggles with mental health. “Silence is a killer,” he said. “Being bipolar is something I'm going to deal with for the rest of my life and I'm not ashamed of it. I take every adversity and turn it into a positive force. I've been through it all and it will never make me hang my head.”

Mayor Sylvester Turner also made remarks, as did event chairs Kathy Flanagan and Susan Sportsman. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez also took to the mic, accepting an award for the sheriff’s office for setting new standards in how law enforcement responds to people with mental health needs. Rapper Bun B was among the many guests, which included a who's-who of physicians, judges and other high-profile Houstonians.

Funds raised will support “innovative research at Menninger that focuses on improving mental health diagnosis and treatment, along with education initiatives that keeps clinicians at the forefront of the evolving mental health field,” said the rep.

The Menninger, a private hospital affiliated with Baylor, is in the midst of a major expansion project. It will turn 100 in 2025.

Susan Sportsman, Armando Colombo and Kathy Flannagan (photo by Jenny Antil)

Deborah Keyser and Devon Anderson (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Sophie Girard, Elizabeth Farish and Yvonne Ziegler (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Member of the Harris County Sheriff's Office (photo by Jenny Antill)

Jim Lykes, Kate Lykes and Culley Platt (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Chad Patel and Natalia Oakes (phot by Daniel Ortiz)