A Stroll Down Avenue 360 Brought “Voices for Hope” to Omega House

A Stroll Down Avenue 360 Brought “Voices for Hope” to Omega House

Over 200 guests strolled down Avenue 360 into River Oaks Country Club to celebrate “Voices for Hope,” which raised over $215,000 to support Omega House, Texas’ first residential hospice for AIDS patients. Revered community leaders Alicia Smith and Brigitte Kalai co-chaired this esteemed gala, supported by Presenting Sponsor Amerapex.

A pre-event cocktail reception gave the many guests a brief time to gather and greet each other before entering the breathtaking ballroom. With stunning floral and stage centerpieces designed by H-E-B’s League City market team under the direction of General Manager Gemma Smith and luxurious linens and décor from Kirksey Gregg Productions, guests were dazzled as they made their way to their tables as television personality and emcee Deborah Duncan welcomed them into what became a very memorable and poignant evening full of “Voices!”

The program began with the HSPVA Choir’s teary, passionate, and moving rendition of “Seasons of Love,” one of the most memorable songs from the Broadway play and movie Rent. Remarks from Avenue 360 President and CEO Dr. Charlene Flash followed, who spoke about the charity’s good works and commemorated the 25th anniversary of Bering Omega Community Services. She then introduced longtime board member and honoree Ken Bohan, honorees Dr. Mark Nichols, and Omega House Director Sandy Stacy, who was fêted for her three decades of service. All the recipients happily received their awards to a standing ovation.

More “Voices” were heard during dinner as Beaumont-based blues artist Luke Whitney entertained the crowd with soulful tunes. As dessert was served, America’s Got Talent semifinalist Christina Wells appeared on stage to much applause as she launched into “You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman!” Once the song ended and the audience’s praise quietened, she slowed the performance down for a few minutes. She spoke about her life as a nurse and how the cause of taking care of the loved ones of members of the community was an incredible calling that gave such meaning to her life and that of her family. It brought everyone in the room closer as they shared these touching moments. This powerhouse vocalist then set the room on fire with more hits, such as “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “We Are Family!”

After the entertainment ended and prior to DJ Freddy B directing the audience to the dance floor, Deborah Duncan and Christina Wells brought out the raffle bowls filled with purchased raffle tickets and drew out the winners for prizes, which included a pair of dazzling earrings created by Nini Jewels, a Tootsies shopping spree, and an ultimate staycation package at The Post Oak Hotel with a weekend Porsche rental, provided by Porsche River Oaks and Porsche West Houston, and other items. Papercity’s Shelby Hodge won the staycation and weekend luxury car package and gifted her raffle prize to Christina Wells in a very heart-rending moment, honoring the singer, nurse, and mother for her powerful voice and inimitable spirit.

The three-hour stroll down Avenue 360 was a visual, aural and culinary delight. The “Voices for Hope” event enables Omega House to continue offering comfort and dignity to those facing terminal illness in their final days … a cause so well needed in our society.

In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned): Lance Smith, Bashar Kalai, Remy Kalai, Alex Kalai, Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees, Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman, Farida Abjani, Shelby Hodge and Shafik Rifaat, Omar Alaoui and Maria Moncada-Alaoui, Sylvia Forsythe, Nini Hale, Steve Spencer and Jody Merritt, Christine Johnson, Michele Till, Anna Reger, Mandy Kao, Mark Folkes and Christopher Johnston, Fady Armanious, Tony Bradfield, Jeff Gremillion, Todd Ramos, Aaron Matthews, Scott Evans, Roz Pactor, Alan Pactor, Lara Bell, Brent Milam, Rusty and Sue Burnett, Ann Deaton