Bun B Joins Football Great, Mayor and Sheriff to Fete Menninger’s Mental Health Mission

Bun B Joins Football Great, Mayor and Sheriff to Fete Menninger’s Mental Health Mission

Bun B and Charles Haley (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

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)

Wellness+Giving Back
Fall Philanthropy Report: March of Dimes’ ‘Signature Chefs’ Event Coming in November

What year was your organization launched? 1938

What is your mission? March of Dimes was founded in 1938 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, to combat polio. The name “March of Dimes” was suggested by entertainer Eddie Cantor as a way to encourage people to donate even a small amount, like a dime, to help fight polio.

Keep Reading Show less

Chef-owner Austin Waiter of The Marigold Club, now serving fried chicken and Champagne on Sunday nights.


IF YOUR SUNDAY nights could use a little sparkle—and a lot of fried chicken—The Marigold Club has just the thing. Starting May 25 at 5pm, the Montrose hotspot known for its playful mix of Southern charm and London polish is rolling out a new weekly tradition: Fried Chicken & Champagne Sundays.

This isn’t your average comfort food situation. We're talking a shareable fried chicken dinner for two, made with farm-raised birds from Deeply Rooted Ranch, and served alongside buttery whipped potatoes, minted peas, aged cheddar scones, and some over-the-top sauces — including a foie gras sauce supreme that’s as extra as it sounds.

Keep Reading Show less
Food

Palmaïa The House of AïA

THIS FALL, LEBRINA Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, is taking her wisdom and joie de wellness to the jungle. Far beyond the walls of her beautiful spa, she’s aiming to create a quiet space for people to work on their personal growth in a community-centric atmosphere. She shares what participants will get out of the trip and why it’s important to take time for self-care in 2025.

Why is it important for people to “retreat”? Life can feel like a non-stop marathon, and sometimes we forget to just... breathe. Retreating offers a chance to step off the treadmill for a bit and hit the reset button. It's about giving your body and mind some much-needed TLC, allowing for genuine relaxation and rejuvenation. Beyond the personal perks, retreats often create a cool sense of community, connecting you with others on a similar path. By carving out space for self-reflection, you can recharge and return to your daily life with a clearer head and a bit more pep in your step.

Keep Reading Show less
Wellness+Giving Back