NEVER BEFORE HAS the importance of experienced, compassionate healthcare professionals been so pronounced as the last three years. Houston is lucky to be home to some of the world's best, several of whom were honored at The John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science's annual fundraiser.

Chaired by David and Sara Cordúa, the Viva la Vida gala was held at the Four Seasons Hotel, which recently unveiled its spectacularly renovated ballroom. The Dia de los Muertos-themed night, which included a Cordúa-approved menu and Latin tunes courtesy of Divisi Strings, raised nearly $300K to support the museum's education and community programming.

An exciting live auction touted items like a Colorado vacation and a private party for 50 at the Health Museum — but nothing was quite as exciting as cheering on the Astros while simultaneously dancing to Divisi String's lively Collide band.

Maria Fernandez and Jennifer Franco

David and Sara Cordua

Honoree Daryl Shorter

Erica Little,John Burnette and Robert Burnette

Phillip Chang and Elizabeth Holt

Lucia and Michael Cordua

Carol Paret, Daryl Shorter, Toma Omofoye, John Arcidiacono, Maria Fernandez, Jesus Villejo, Jackie Ward and Gary Sheppard

Jennifer and Jim Drew

Ken and June Mattox