A No-Brainer: David Spade Brings the Laughs to Broach Foundation Gala Benefiting Brain-Cancer Research

A No-Brainer: David Spade Brings the Laughs to Broach Foundation Gala Benefiting Brain-Cancer Research

Jeff Byrd, Jamie Broach Byrd, Harrison Broach, Parker Broach, Oliver Broach

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

Parties
Leadership in Action: John Kuykendall Traded Newcaster Dream for Success in Luxury Retail

John Kuykendall, Showroom Manager, Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove

How did you get to where you are today? Growing up I had envisioned myself as a news anchor, living in NY and enthusiastically saying into the camera “Good Morning America!”. To this day, I am still a news/political junkie. My mother owned fur salons so specialty retail, luxury retail was in my blood through the family business. Eventually, mom shuttered the stores and I was recruited to a large specialty retailer. Over the next 30 years, I was in commissioned sales on the sales floor, became a department manager, worked my way up to buyer and store manager. Although I never became a newscaster, I did live in NYC for a few years. But Texas is home and with aging grandparents, I felt the pull to come back to my roots. A headhunter approached me. I never envisioned myself in the high-end appliance market, but there are so many similarities. Clients want a memorable experience; whether shopping for diamonds and fur or remodeling their kitchen.

Keep Reading Show less

THE CORINTHIAN WAS the scene for a haunted happening benefiting Children’s Museum Houston. The decidedly adult bash was filled with dark allure, gothic glamour, and generosity to the tune of $1.14 million, the second-highest total in the event’s history.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties

Morris Smith, Tilman Fertitta and Toni Smith

THE HOUSTON CHILDREN'S Charity gala is always anticipated, thanks to the big-deal musical acts brought in to entertain; this year it was Chicago. But the headliners this year were the generous donors, who seemed to surprise even event organizer with their largesse, with a total till of $6.2 million, a record.

Keep Reading Show less
Party People