Let's pack 16 Grammy awards from among 47 nominations, American Idol fame, a bunch of Billboard chart-topping hits, and a touch of Broadway spirit into a big party ballroom. One could say that "An Evening With Legends" truly “had it all,” which also happens to be the title of Katharine McPhee’s 2010 single that reached No. 2 on the adult contemporary charts.
The actor and chanteuse headlined a fundraiser for Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center on Tuesday, May 7, alongside another titan of the music industry. That would be Canadian composerDavid Foster, who’s collaborated with Mary J. Blige, Diana Krall, Lara Fabian, and Beyoncé.
It was quite the assembly of 700 supporters who secured their seats for the event presented by Texas Children’s Hospital and Wells Fargo, much to the delight of chairs and local luminaries Sue Smith, Shelly and Brian Hendry, and Limor and Stuart Smith. The setting, the Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston, was outfitted by the Blooming Gallery to offer an upscale and sophisticated piano bar vibe. This ambiance allowed Texas Children’s president Debbie Sukin and Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center director Dr. Susan Blaney to deliver meaningful messages of passion and impact.
While guests were over the moon, Foster tickled the ivories to accompany aspiring Broadway star Layla Bourghesi, a current patient at the cancer center, in a rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” earning a standing ovation. Filled with emotion for the cause, Foster personally contributed during the paddles-up portion of the soirée. McPhee added to the one-of-a-kind experience by singing to two tables of generous philanthropists. The evening raised $1.25 million for one of the largest pediatric cancer and hematology centers in the U.S.
Among the local notables were Glenda and Russell Gordy, Carolyn and Jake Sabat, Jan Duncan, Jenny Elkin, Cyvia Wolff, Maria and Neil Bush, Frances and Tony Buzbee, Asha and Farid Virani, Lauren and Adam Allen, Ann Ayer, Donna and Norman Lewis, Brittany Franklin, Tamara Bonar, Katie Dillon, and Julia and Mark DeWalsh.
Photo by Jenny Antill; Courtesy of Texas Children’s Hospital
Katie Dillon, David Foster, Katherine McPhee, and Lisa McCoy.
