Annual Luncheon Raises Nearly $400,000 for Menninger

On Thursday, May 2, 2019, approximately 500 sponsors and guests filled the ballroom of the Hilton Houston Post Oak by the Galleria for Menninger’s 2019 Signature Luncheon featuring NFL superstar and mental health advocate Brandon Marshall. In total, the event raised $390,000 for The Clinic’s mental health training and research programs, surpassing the prior year’s contributions. The luncheon was chaired by Menninger supporters Kate and Jim Lykes.

 

Staging décor provided by Gallery Furniture and colorful floral arrangements donated by H-E-B created an elegant setting for the luncheon program. Guests dined on crisp Mediterranean chicken salad and a duo of mini desserts.

 

Kate and Jim Lykes opened the program, sharing their family’s personal struggles with mental illness and their belief in Menninger’s high-quality treatment and research. The Lykes were followed by interim CEO Tony Gaglio, CPA, MBA, who thanked guests for their generosity and gave highlights of The Clinic’s success during the past year. Interim Chief of Staff John M. Oldham, MD, MS, then took the stage to discuss borderline personality disorder, which affects Marshall, and to introduce Marshall’s mental health advocacy organization, Project 375, as the luncheon honoree.

 

After accepting the Vital Balance Award from Gaglio and Oldham, Marshall was interviewed on stage by KHOU-TV personality Deborah Duncan. Conversation centered around Marshall’s personal experience with BPD, the importance of family and his passion to eradicate stigma.

 

The Office of Philanthropy wishes to thank the many staff members, guests, speakers and volunteers who helped to ensure the 2019 luncheon’s success. Lead sponsors of the luncheon included The Louis L. Borick Foundation; Sarah and Doug Foshee; Vivie and Chris O’Sullivan with Letty Knapp and Chris Knapp; the Cuenod Families with Indumar; and the McIngvale Family.