Encore! Beloved Gala for Avenue 360’s Omega House Hospice Triumphantly Returns to Center Stage

Daniel Ortiz

Bashar and Brigitte Kalai, and Alicia and Lance Smith

ONE OF HOUSTON'S most beloved charitable galas made a comeback, as the newly renamed “Voices for Hope” in support of Avenue 360 Health and Wellness and its nearly 40-year-old Omega House hospice for HIV patients bowed at River Oaks Country Club.

Formerly called Sing for Hope and launched by Avenue antecedent organization Bering Omega, the music-savvy gala has been on hiatus for nearly a decade. With dynamic chairs Alicia Smith and Brigitte Kalai, and with Amerapex as presenting sponsor, the event came roaring back — under the twinkling chandeliers of the country club’s ballroom. A crowd of about 200, many of them boldface names from the society set, helped raise $215,000 for Omega House.

An rep for event organizers called Omega House “a pioneering residential hospice providing compassionate care to terminally ill AIDS patients since its founding in 1986 as Texas’ first such haven,” adding that “many dedicated Omega House volunteers and supporters joined in the celebration, underscoring the community’s ongoing commitment to Avenue 360’s mission.”

Musical performances included those by the HSPVA choir, handsome blues crooner Luke Whitney and powerhouse America’s Got Talent semifinalist (and registered nurse!) Christina Wells, who belted out crowd pleasers like “Natural Woman.” Emcee Deborah Duncan of TV, also a singer, joined Wells in a rousing “We Are Family” rendition.

Lovely soaring florals by Kirksey Gregg filled every table, but the most beautiful moment of the evening might have been when famous PaperCity society scribe Shelby Hodge gave the staycation she’d won at the raffle to performer Wells as a surprise gift. Wells will enjoy a weekend driving a Porshe and luxuriating in style, thanks to Porshe River Oaks, Porshe West Houston and The Post Oak Hotel.

Other raffle prizes included dazzling earrings by Nini Jewels, a custom necklace by Wayne Smith Jewels donated by co-chair Kalai, and a shopping spree at Tootsie’s. Nearly as delicious as the luxurious raffle, dinner was a rich surf and turf of steak and seabass with the country club’s famous pecan balls — ice cream rolled in chopped nuts and doused in sauces of chocolate and caramel — for dessert.

Ken Bohan, longtime board member and generous donor, was presented with the Harmony of the Heart award. “Omega House Medical Director Gus Krucke, Director of Dental Services Mark Nichols and Omega House Director Sandy Stacy were honored with the Symphony of Service Award,” noted the Avenue rep, “with Stacy receiving a standing ovation for her 30 years of service.”

Organization President and CEO Charlene Flash, who drew comparisons to Tina Turner in her chic, leggy cobalt mini dress, remarked: “This year’s Voices for Hope event enables us to continue the essential work of Omega House, ensuring that those facing terminal illness find comfort and dignity in their final days.”

Spotted in the crowd: Lance Smith, Bashar Kalai, Fady Armanious, Beth Wolff, Tony Bradfield, Leisa Holland Nelson, Farida Abjani, Omar and Maria Moncada Alaoui, Steve Spencer, Jody Merritt, Christine Johnson, Michele Till, Anna Reger, Mandy Kao, Mark Folkes, Christopher Johnston, Brandon Weinbrenner, Mitchell Greco, Sonny Garza, Todd Ramos, Scott Evans, Aaron Matthews, and, just days ahead of their Mexican destination wedding, Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees.