ZaZa Lunch Promises to 'Make a Difference' for Houston's East End

Daniel Ortiz
ZaZa Lunch Promises to 'Make a Difference' for Houston's East End

Barbara Van Postman, Phyllis Williams, Leisa Holland Nelson Bowman and Donna Chapman

THE HOTEL ZAZA ballroom hosted 250 generous supporters for the annual Making a Difference luncheon benefiting El Centro de Corazón.


Event chairs Kelli Cohen Fein and Barbara Van Postman, along with honorary chairs Leisa Holland Nelson Bowman and Leila Perrin, threw a great party for the nonprofit, which provides comprehensive healthcare services to low-income residents of Houston’s East End. El Centro sees more than 12,000 patients — most of whom live below the federal poverty level and are uninsured — each year.

Emcee Cyndy Garza Roberts kept the energy levels high as honorees Halliburton Charitable Foundation and the Honorable Ed Emmett and Gwen Emmett were announced. And El Centro CEO Marcie Mir gave remarks noting the recent passing of El Centro founder Mary Jo May, who was committed to providing accessible, affordable healthcare to those in need.

An interesting conversation between physicians Esmaeil Porsa and James McCarthy discussed how Covid changed healthcare, and the opportunities it created, too.

The event raised more than $161,000 for El Centro.

Anne Neeson and Hallie Vanderhider

Sippi Khurana and Rosemary Schatzman

Chelsea Collmer and Laurie Sanders

Lisa Gochman and Maggie Glaser

Rosemary Schatzman, Marilu Garza, Barbara Van Postman and Donna Chapman

Cyndy Garza Roberts and Gloria Zenteno

Cynthia Wolff and Beth Wolff

Diana Barrero-Burgos, Laura Jaramillo

Elizabeth Stein, Bill Baldwin and Denise Monteleone

Scott and Jennifer Allison

Parties
Top Attorney Lauren Varnado Says Networking Is Key: ‘Relationships Are Everything’
How did you get to where you are today? It takes a village. I was fortunate enough to have great mentors and individuals who instilled confidence in me. I think that when you face a challenge or an obstacle, you are able to overcome and make things happen. You can continue moving forward, more resilient over time.
Keep Reading Show less

Guests enjoy 360-degree views from the infinity pool

A PARADISE FOR nature lovers, surfers and adventure seekers, Costa Rica often sees repeat visitors. The seven provinces, though different in the way of microclimates and the presence of volcanoes, cloud forests or beaches, are all predictably friendly, green and breathtakingly beautiful. Travelers come to anticipate and appreciate the “pura vida” lifestyle, i.e. an appreciation for the here-and-now beauty and wonder that the country offers so abundantly.

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places

The patio at Toca Madera (photo by Connie Anderson)

EXPERIENTIAL, OR “VIBE,” dining has been trending for a few years now in Houston, from restaurateurs who assume that diners want more than just a meal. Well, they all just got some stiff competition with the opening of Toca Madera in the Pavilion at The Allen.

Keep Reading Show less
Food