With the whimsical theme “Up, Up, and Away,” the Crohn’s and Colitis Basis’s 2025 Winter Ball on January 18 was awash with themes of resilience, togetherness, and hope.
Attendees had been welcomed on the Omni Houston Resort with a luminous hallway of honor, celebrating the 38-year historical past of the Girls of Distinction — a convention that continues to shine a highlight on trailblazing ladies in Houston. This 12 months’s honorees included Dr. Bincy Abraham, Dr. Alice Mao Brams, Dr. Sharon Albert Brier, Julie Baker Finck, Stephanie von Stein Schusterman, and Ambassador Jacquie Baly.
Guided by the attraction of Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman, a 2015 Lady of Distinction herself, the night unfolded with grace. Occasion chairs Elizabeth DeLuca and Lauren Gow, each Girls of Distinction alumnae, introduced the evening to life, whereas elegant decor by Blooming Gallery evoked the upward momentum symbolized by scorching air balloons in hues of blue, coral, and gold.
Honored Hero Bayle Goldman shared a shifting reflection on rising up alongside her sister, who has battled extreme Crohn’s illness since childhood. Healthcare Companion Honoree Dr. Keith Fiman was additionally acknowledged for his steadfast dedication to advancing look after these dwelling with inflammatory bowel illness.
Company sponsors, together with H-E-B, Johnson and Johnson, and Memorial Hermann, had been important in propelling the night’s fundraising success, alongside the John P. McGovern Basis, Madison Charitable Basis, Saint Arnold Brewing Co., and Valobra Grasp Jewelers.
The occasion’s 270 company served as a poignant reminder that even the heaviest burdens will be lightened with the ability of group — elevating a formidable $575,000 to assist the inspiration’s mission of analysis, training, and affected person care.
Within the crowd had been Lilly and Thurman Andress, Meredith and Mark Barineau, Lara Bell, Cheryl Byington, Kristen Cannon, Zane Carruth, Theresa Chang, Kristen Collins, Dr. Yvonne Cormier, Jane Web page-Crump, Ashlee and Bryan Dillon, Sidney Faust, Gayla and Don Gardner, Diane and Harry Gendel, Audrey and David Gow, Winell and Doug Herron, Maureen Higdon, Betty Hrncir, Shelby Hodge and Shafik Rifat, Dr. Sippi Kjurana, Linda Lorelle, Beth Muecke, Karen Payne, Sharon Michael Owens, Leila Perrin, Joann Petersen, Amy Pierce, Anna Reger, Heidi Rockecharlie, Cindi and Dr. Franklin Rose, Miya Shay, Jordan Seff, Jerre Williams, and Beth Wolff.
