Event Date: May 4, 2022
Location: River Oaks Country Club
Event: Luncheon
Monies raised: $300,000
Honorary Chairs: Past Men of Distinction honorees
Chairperson: Tracy Dieterich
Honorees: Dr. Stanley Appel, John Butler, Jr., Keith Mosing and Jim Postl
Florals: Flowers by Nino
Décor: Let It Fly
Linens, Sashes and Chargers: EB, Inc.
Portrait photographs of honorees: Gittings
Photography: Priscilla Dickson
Men of Distinction’s Annual Luncheon Boasts A Fifteenth Success!
Guests for the 15th Annual Men of Distinction luncheon filled the ballroom of River Oaks Country Club as four distinguished men were honored who have made Houston a better place to live and work.
The luncheon was created fifteen years ago by a small group of volunteers, who wanted to pay tribute to those MEN in the Houston community who have distinguished themselves through their leadership as businessmen, volunteers and philanthropists … And to simultaneously raise funds to support pediatric biomedical research, education and patient care in the Texas Medical Center.
In keeping with the spirit of philanthropy shown by these distinguished gentlemen, ALL of the proceeds from the luncheon stays right here in Houston for the direct benefit of children’s causes at the Texas Medical Center. Honorees and beneficiaries for each year are chosen by a unanimous vote of the Men of Distinction Steering Committee. The Steering Committee consists of men and women in the community who desire to help promote our charitable endeavors. Members of the Steering Committee are: Jonathan Ayre, Oliver Badgio, Dr. Devinder Bhatia, Tony Bradfield, Dr. John Cangelosi, Tracy Dieterich, Scott Evans, Tony Gracely, Danny Klaes, Stephen Lewis, Butch Mach, Steve Mach, Ed McMahon, Billy McCartney, Michael Mithoff, Scott Schwinger, Jesse Tutor and board chairman David Wuthrich.
The production of this event each year is a team effort between board chairman David Wuthrich, Scott Evans and The Social Book, and the following team mentioned herein. Besides the fact that this auspicious gathering consistently runs on-time each year, guests are delighted to experience the photo wall, courtesy of Gittings. Sixty portraits of past honorees over fifteen years are displayed on a long wall inside the ballroom for guests to view. The “distinctive” photo wall is constructed by Let It Fly Events, who also designs the stage. The colors of the room are chosen by the chairman, which for this event, was blue and purple. Florals on the table and stage were courtesy of floral artist Flowers by Nino, whose blue and purple giant hydrangeas were set amid yellow roses and calla lilies. EB, Inc. provided royal blue linens in three different styles which graced the tables along silver chair covers tied with grape-colored sashes and silver plating chargers completed the room décor.
As always, the program was emceed by former Channel 13 anchor Tom Koch, who was not only engaging but kept the program moving. Chairman Tracy Dieterich welcomed guests and introduced sponsor Sonic Automotive/Porsche River Oaks. Their representative Rob Dale, General Manager of Porsche River Oaks, thanked guests and welcomed people to visit their new $45 million facility at Greenbriar and Hwy 59.
With the support of Presenting Sponsors Sonic Automotive/Porsche River Oaks, Steak 48 and Tenenbaum Jewelers and supporters, the event raised $300,000+ for medical research in the Texas Medical Center. This year’s recipients of the three (3) $100,000 unrestricted grants are Dr. Allison Speer at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Dr. Alessandro Grattoni, Ph.D. and Dr. A. Osama Gaber, FACS, FAST at Houston Methodist and Dr. Michael A. Belfort, Ph.D. and Dr. Sundef G. Keswani at Texas Children’s Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine.
Dr. Stanley Appel, John Butler, Jr., Keith Mosing and Jim Postl are the four new additions to the 56 previous Houston gentlemen who have been honored, starting in 2007. Over the 15-year history of the event, Men of Distinction has raised $5.5 million with 100% of the funds going to research here in Houston!
Socially present: Tracy and Valerie Dieterich, Dr. Devinder Bhatia, David and Tara Wuthrich, Jesse Tutor, Steve and Joella Mach, Penny and John Butler, Jr., Lilly and Thurmon Andress, Tony Bradfield, Hallie Vanderhider, Tony Gracely, John Havens, Danny Klaes, Hon. Bill King, Gary Petersen, Steve Trauber, Keith and Alice Mosing, Jim and Beverly Postl, Dr. “Bud” Frazier, Regina Rogers, Jim and Molly Crownover, Michael Mithoff, Richard Mithoff, Joe Cleary, Scotty Arnoldy, Diane and John Riley, Jonathan Ayre, Ed McMahon, Scott Evans, Dr. Stanley Appel, Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman and Bob Bowman, Sandra Porter, Leila Perrin and Walter Aymen.
