A Grand Gala
Samaritan Counseling Center delights with year-end celebration
The Carole and Ronald Krist Samaritan Counseling Center kicked off the season at its holiday-themed “KRISTmas” Gala last month at Hotel ZaZa in the Houston Museum District. While celebrating 33 years of providing high-quality mental health counseling services to those who otherwise are not able to afford it, the Krist Samaritan Center hosted more than 200 guests who helped raise $175,000 for the Center’s counseling assistance fund.
The most wonderful time of the evening began in the lounge with toy soldiers and dancing ornaments while guests enjoyed scrumptious hors d’oeuvres alongside the ZaZa specialty drink, a bubble berry champagne cocktail with white sugar rim. Gala guests were taken to a gift-giver’s paradise at the silent auction where they were given the chance to bid on luxurious staycation packages, jewelry, handbags, and unique experiences.
Emcee CW39’s Sharron Melton delivered season’s greetings and welcomed the crowd, followed by an invocation by Board Member Reverend CY Helm. Board President Janet Horn took the stage to introduce Gala Chair Patricia Green who thanked the jolly supporters in attendance.
Melton introduced this year’s Samaritan Spirit Award honorees Sister Rosanne Popp, MD, for driving the force of CHRISTUS St. Mary’s Clinic and providing vital healthcare to lower income patients; Dr. Theodoros Voloyiannis, for his innovation in robotic surgery procedures and willingness to provide care to those unable to afford surgery; and Mr. Ivan Voloyiannis, for his advocacy of mental health services in public education. A testimonial from Addie Green warmed-up the room and opened guests’ hearts to show their commitment to mental health care.
COURTESY: Kim Padgett, PHOTOS: Daniel Ortiz
