ONE OF THE most heartfelt and moving balls of the year — the gala for Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston— was a splendid success. And, given the tense state of world affairs, its message of unity and peace was deeply appreciated.

Featuring and multi-faith invocation, including uplifting words from leaders in the city’s Muslim, Jewish and Christian communities and others, the annual event raised nearly $750,000 to support the organization’s various services. These include Meals on Wheels and an “Animeals” program that feeds pets for in-need shut-ins.

The event began with jazz band “Brass Animals” making a lively second line through the “mocktail” hour at the Hilton Americas in Downtown. “During the reception, guests were treated to live art demonstrations including Sana Mirza creating Thuluth style calligraphy, illuminating the arabesque in gold,” added a rep for the event’s organizers. “Nazli Cizmeci presented the art of Ebru, the Turkish practice of paper marbling.” A dinner of chicken marsala and seared seabass followed, with a vegetarian option of portobello mushroom with saag paneer.

Honorees for the evening — Pastors Juanita and Rudy Rasmus of St. John’s United Methodist Church, and dedicated philanthropists and volunteers Susan and Dan Boggio — were lavished with well-deserved praise.

Co-chairs for the evening included Karen and Jay Harberg, and Tehmina and Faisal Masud; Brigitte and Bashar Kalai served as honorary chairs. VIP guests included Kathy Flanagan, David Leebron, Y. Ping Sun, Beth Wolff, Casey Curry, Paul-David Van Atta, Gregg Harrison, Tama Lundquist, Tena Lundquist Faust, Amy Pierce, Robert Sakowitz, Philamena and Arthur Baird, and Karen Labat of Shell USA.

Christina Jones and Dr Kathy Flanagan

Dr. Faisal and Tehmina Masud with Karen and Jay Harberg

Jill and Mark Eddings

Rudy and Juanita Rasmus with Christina and Stacy Jones

Vican and Stephanie Sun

Nihala Zakaria and Mandy Kao

Susanne and Randall Evans