FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Jamie’s Hope Third Annual Masquerade for a Cure Gala was a Sell Out
Summary|An A-list crowd joins together to raise funds for personalized medicine research at MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, TX |October 31, 2014 – The already gorgeous Corinthian in downtown Houston set the stage for the exquisitely decorated, frost-themed evening boasting towering crystal candelabras, aerialists, ice queens and more this past Friday as tuxedos and ball gowns flooded the room at the Jamie’s Hope Third Annual Masquerade for a Cure Gala presented by I.W. Marks Jewelers. For the first time, the gala benefiting targeted therapy research at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, sold out with 300 guests in attendance. The guest list surely impressed with attendees such as Cal & Hannah McNair and Brian & Megan Cushing.
Also in attendance were devoted supporters and Honorary Chairs of the gala; Brad & Joanna Marks, Kevin and Caroline Walter, Chris and Jenny Myers, Bob Allen, Chita Johnson, John and Elizabeth Ehrman, Dr. Quang and Staci Henderson, Katie McCall, Brent Milam and Lara Bell, Angela Lipsey, Dr. Lamar and Theresa Roemer, Michael Chabala, Fred and Karisa Gallucci, Billy Frank, Trey and Jessica McCreary, Peter Remington, David Thomas and Lauren Thomas.
Each year the Jamie’s Hope Foundation works hand-in-hand with EnVogue Events to produce this over-the-top event and they have yet to disappoint. With in-kind sponsors such as DJU Productions, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House, Jackson and Company, Houston Party Tent and Event, Over The Top Linen, The Perfect Affair Special Events, and Lounge 4 Events, Jamie’s Hope is able to provide a glamorous evening for a great cause. Official sponsors providing monetary support included Tubular Solutions Inc. and Neighbors Emergency Center.
Guests delighted in a light-hearted yet meaningful night entailing fashion by Jonathan Blake and exclusive entertainment in the VIP reception area. All enjoyed delectable passed hors d’oeuvres, open premium bar with a signature pear martini appropriately adorned with white rock candy stir sticks, plated dinner featuring roast tenderloin of beef, and a six-layered winter wonderland themed cake provided by For Heaven’s Cake. Entertainment is never lacking at the Masquerade for a Cure galas. This year J&D Entertainment’s beautiful winter stilt characters, strolling winter queen, ethereal spiral diva and angelic aerial artists kept the theme alive while the dance floor stayed full due to the upbeat sounds by the 11-piece, Richard Brown Orchestra.
The official, unofficial emcee for Jamie’s Hope, Scott Sparks, led the evening full of laughter and a few tears. Christian Broadcasting Network and ABC Family’s, Angela Zatopek, started dinner off with a prayer prior to opening statements from Jamie’s Hope Founders, Jamie Gilmore and Garrick Glascock. Later in the evening, the couple’s daughter, Mikala (age 11), took stage to show just how proud she is of her mom and the battle she endures daily. Before Mikala said her goodbyes to the crowd, she spoke of former Jamie’s Hope Angel Tree recipient, Rorie Joslin, as she let everyone know just how special Rorie was to her. That evening, the Jamie’s Hope Foundation announced the launch of a new program, Bundle of Hope, inspired by Rorie who’s battle with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia was lost this past August at the tender age of five.
Associate Professor of the Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics at MD Anderson, Dr. Apostolia Maria Tsimberidou, M.D., Ph.D., spoke of the progress that has been made possible in targeted therapy research due to the support of the Jamie’s Hope Foundation and encouraged continued support. Dr. Tsimberidou leads the targeted therapy (personalized medicine) clinical trial that Jamie’s Hope directly funds through the its annual Masquerade for a Cure galas and the Golf Tournament for a Cure (held in May).
As the presentation continued, Jamie relayed her vision for the Jamie’s Hope Foundation and the dreams she has for the many lives she hopes to help. Not only by working to advance cancer treatments through targeted therapy but also by providing support for those battling cancer. Support would include aid through the existing Angel Tree Mission Project, the brand new Bundle of Hope and Bald is Beautiful programs, along with programs focused on health, wellness and cancer prevention scheduled to debut in the very near future. An additional program Jamie has on the horizon, focuses on fertility options for cancer patients being faced with the possibility of not being able to have children due to treatment.
The presentation wrapped up with Jamie’s Hope Founder Cindy Gilmore Barnes and Executive Director Amanda Abiassi thanking some extra special contributors. Awards were given to top volunteers, event sponsors and the “Queen & King of the Ball”; awarded to Timothy Bedore and Elizabeth Ehrman for their outstanding efforts.
A friendly bidding war took place as the competition sparked during the live auction. The live auction featured fancy yellow and white diamond earring courtesy of I.W. Marks Jewelers, dinner for ten at Del Frisco’s Steak House with Houston Texans Center, Chris Myers, an over-sized painting of J.J. Watt by local artist, Adam Dallas Barnes, the “Ultimate Houston Texans Package” including memorabilia and two tickets to watch the game front-row with Jamie & Garrick along with a hand-signed guitar by Grammy winning legend, Elton John.
Scott Sparks then wrapped up his segment with a little surprise for Houston Texans COO, Cal McNair. Being that the Masquerade for a Cure Gala fell on Cal’s birthday, the Jamie’s Hope crew made sure to do acknowledge it with a birthday announcement, a little “Happy Birthday” song and Texans themed birthday cake (provided by For Heaven’s Cake).
The Third Annual Masquerade for a Cure Gala came to an end with record breaking numbers and an experience the guests, volunteers and sponsors, will not soon forget. Photography services were provided by Celebrate Life Photography, Quy Tran Photography, EarchPhoto, Hung Truong Photography, Shawn Chippendale Photography, James Crossman Photography and Susan Leining Photography; all who volunteered their time to captured the night.
Additional sponsors included Southwest Infiniti, Modern Luxury Magazine, Absolutely Memorial Magazine, Print Rite, Inc., Brand New Media, Greenberg, Grant & Richards, TCP Capital Partners, ProActive Media Group, Brian Lasher Consulting, Caught in Customs, and REEN Apparel. Jamie Gilmore’s dress was provided by H.Harloquin boutique. Hair and makeup provided by Makeup by Wendy, Tane Jones, On-site Hair Design, and Blush and Company.
The Jamie’s Hope team works year-round to support personalized medicine research at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center while helping those directly affected by cancer and raising awareness on cancer prevention and early detection. The success of Jamie’s Hope efforts are credited largely to the sponsors, who lend their names and financial support. By participating as a sponsor, your organization can benefit from extended exposure through media campaigns and promotional efforts. For a small donation, companies enjoy excellent exposure to an important segment of their target audience, while helping Jamie’s Hope accelerate groundbreaking cancer treatments and aiding cancer patients in need. For more information on becoming a sponsor of this non-profit Foundation, please contact Amanda@JamiesHope.org.
