Courtney Harmon, Mario Gudmundsson, Jennifer Caras
But the 215 guests who attended the lunch at The Post Oak Hotel brought even more meaning to the word "resilient," having overcome weather damage and widespread power outages to join the cause. Event chairs Jennifer Caras, Mario Gudmundsson and Courtney Harmon were thrilled with the turnout, as was AVDA CEO Maisha Colter, who shared that "this year was especially poignant since we moved forward despite one of Houston's most surprising weather events in a while! Our supporters showed up despite experiencing weather-related hardships, which speaks to their dedication to our cause."
The delectable menu included a taste of Mastro's famous butter cake, and the afternoon also brought an exciting raffle of high-end items like Miron Crosby boots and a Bentley weekend getaway. The inaugural Young Advocates Award was given to teen jewelry designer Sophie-Marie Ngu, who for years has raised funds for domestic violence awareness through her jewelry sales.
Colter also introduced the Ambassador of Advocacy Honoree, Maria Barrios, who shared her moving story about a domestic-violence incident that left her temporarily wheelchair-bound. Barrios is a new member of AVDA’s Board of Directors, and intends to continue to use her platform for advocacy.
Abby Alford, Carrie Colbert
Zac Harmon, Will Brown, Amanda and Steve Schnell
Anna Gryska, Victoria Villarreal, Sarika Patel
Young Advocate Sophie-Marie Ngu
Bob and Janis Frank
Sylvia and Mark Russell
Candace Thomas, Dr. Amanda Canto
Sylvia Akaweih, Nadia Akaweih, Ebony Jackson
Stephanie von Stein Schusterman, Maisha Colter, Maria Barrios, Jennifer Caras, Mario Gudmundsson, Courtney Harmon.jpg
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Kristen Cannon, Jayne Johnston
Sarah Koller, Sonia Soto
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CanCare’s 30th annual luncheon, chaired by philanthropist heavyhitters Phoebe and Bobby Tudor with honorary chairs Stephanie and Frank Tsuru, raised an incredible $400,000 for the organization’s mission to match new cancer patients with survivors who can support them. Attendees walked away with a new understanding of the significance that positivity and hope has for cancer survivorship.
A raffle touted Valobra earrings and coveted Diamond Club seats at an Astros game. Winners were drawn at the end of the program, which included an onstage chat between Gina Gaston and MD Anderson physician Peter Pisters. There was also an emotional candle-lighting ceremony, during which guests held up glowing candles in honor of loved ones impacted by cancer.
Those who made donations during the luncheon received a bell to ring — an action which traditionally marks the end of cancer treatment.
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