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