Curated Texan
“Up Up and Away” Gala Honors 2025 Champions For Cures And Raises Over $575,000
By Cindi Harwood Rose Photography by Jacob Powers
THE SCENE: The Omni Hotel Houston was the elegant setting for a night of great fun and fundraising. The annual Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Winter Ball attracted 270 social philanthropists who came in black-tie to cure IBD (inflammatory bowel syndrome), to increase awareness and cures to take the disease “Up up and away” treating IBD and curing the disease above the horizons. In a venue that was decorated colorfully, this year’s “Women of Distinction,” known as WODs, were: Bincy Abraham, M.D., Alice Mao Brams, M.D., Sharon Albert Brier, Julie Baker Finck, Phd., Stephanie Von Stein Schusterman, and the Honorable Dr. Jacquie Baly as Ambassador. Joining the honorees was the honored hero Bayle Goldman and healthcare partner Keith Fiman, M.D., whose contributions to advancing cures have left an indelible impact.
Kathryn and Jeff Smith
THE VIBE: The evening captured the spirit of hope and determination through its vibrant colors of blues, corals, and gold, perfectly orchestrated by Blooming Gallery. Attendants were many former WODs and their guests, dressed colorfully in black-tie attire, tuxedos, and suits, adorned with sparkling jewels and stunning attire. As guests stepped into the ball, you were enveloped in the sense of distinguished attendants with a showcase of all the former classes of WODs from the past 38 years, framed and photographed by Gittings Photography.
Former WOD’s supported the glam event, and walked the room to begin the evening in the main ballroom led by fashion expert Todd Ramos and the Karana AV team. Hot air balloon motifs were showcased around the room, alongside exquisite floral displays. The feast was a petite green salad with goat cheese medallion and a wild mushroom soup encore, the entree was either vegetarian or filet of beef, broccolini, baby carrots, and shrimp scampi, ending with a trio dessert.
The live auction included an exclusive vacation stay in Florida, a lovely art piece, and a Pinkerton Barbecue party to be held at a River Oaks home. Volobra Jewelers donated 18K gold diamond and peridot drop earrings for the raffle which was 75 percent sold out before the night began, valued at $10,500. Patient Spotlight was Nora Navarro, an emerging harpist, and college student, who uses music to help her with her Crohn’s disease. She has performed professionally and wants to attend law school.
THE NON-PROFIT: The event, co-chaired by Elizabeth DeLuca and Lauren Gow, raised over $575,000 for the South Texas Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. President and CEO Michael Osso works diligently to find cures for IBD disease that 1 in 100 have, with a strong success rate. Over 900,000 users last year alone found the use of the Gut-Friendly recipes finder and medication guide, given to those who suffer from IBD or have a family member or friend affected by the disease. A “Camp Oasis” has a life-changing effect on children’s feelings of self-worth, of living with IBD, and navigating wellness.
The executive director is Katie Jones, and Michaela Carriere is the director of volunteer engagement and fundraising. In the crowd was Lilly and Thurman Andress, Kristen Cannon, Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman, Lara Bell, Dr. Franklin and Cindi Rose, Linda Lorelle, Beth Muecke, Susan Osterberg, Karen Payne, Leila Perrins, Miya Shay, Beth Wolff, Mehrnaz Gill, Mandy Kao, Tammie Johnson, Heidi Helton Rockecharlie, Cheryl Byington, Dr. Yvonne Cormier, Jane Page-Crump, Gayla and Don Gardner, Sidney Faust and Joann Petersen.
Mike Brier, Scott Frisbie
and Scott Drysdale
Main sponsors of the evening included HEB, Johnson & Johnson, Houston Methodist, John P. McGovern Foundation, Madison Charitable Foundation, Saint Arnold Brewing Company, and the Houston Colon Foundation. And, 22 % more was raised for the 2025 Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Winter Ball, over $100,000 more than in previous years.
