Jennifer Roosth
Prominent Community Leaders Were Presented With Awards For Their Support And Patronage
By Jennifer Roosth Photography By Johnny Tran Photography
THE SCENE: Houston’s Royal Sonesta Hotel was the setting for one of Space City’s most fun signature fundraising events. Over 500 of the area’s most notable community leaders, health and children’s advocates, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for the Ninth Annual Operation Smile Gala. Benefiting Operation Smile, the event more than lived up to the organization’s name, hosting a fabulous night that those fortunate enough to be a part of will not soon forget.
THE VIBE: The black-tie featured a glamorous array of formal ensembles. In the crowd, one could spot patrons in black, white, and jewel-toned ensembles, while others made statements with elegant prints. The result showcased everything the Houston philanthropy scene is all about – warm, welcoming, and festive.
Kicking off the evening was a lively cocktail hour. Many took a moment to commemorate the evening with a photo on the red carpet before heading to the Royal Sonesta Ballroom Foyer for cocktails. In the crowd, guests mingled while enjoying craft cocktails and other premium spirits.
The action then moved to the Royal Sonesta Ballroom for the main program. More than a few gasps and dropped jaws could be seen in the crowd, which was transformed into a magical wonderland of magenta florals, flickering candles, and mirrored accents throughout the room.
As guests enjoyed their delectable multi-course meals, they were treated to words from the organization and event leaders. During the program, several of Houston’s most prominent community leaders were presented with awards for their support and patronage of Operation Smile over the years. Laura and Dave Ward were presented with the John Connor Humanitarian Award. Tena Lundquist Faust and Tama Lundquist were awarded the Wallis Annenberg Public Service Award, and Julia Dang was awarded the Hoang & Merchant Philanthropy Legacy Award. Capping off the awards presentation was health and wellness guru, actor, and presenter, Brooke Burke, who, along with her family, received the Founders Circle Award.
Next came a spirited live auction helmed by Johnny Bravo. The paddles and fundraising went up as guests feverishly bid on an array of luxury items and experiences, with an intimate celebrity dinner with Brooke Burke and baseball and Houston Astros legend Roger Clemens, being the most coveted. The night was capped off with an after-party where revelers danced well into the night to the tunes of Bulbo the Band.
THE NON-PROFIT: The Ninth Annual Operation Smile Gala, hosted by organization co-founders Sneha Merchant and Viet Hoang, raised over $650,000 for Operation Smile Houston. Proceeds raised from the event will help provide children with high-quality healthcare, including offering free, life-changing cleft-palate surgeries and comprehensive care. Since its founding, the event has raised over $3.5 million for Operation Smile Houston.
