Dionne Warwick Headlines Stehlin "Friends" Gala


Dionne Warwick’s standard “That’s What Friends Are For” took on new meaning Saturday night. Playing before a packed house, Dionne Warwick paid tribute to Dr. John Stehlin and the Friends of the Stehlin Foundation.
“Dionne was a tremendous help with our fund-raising efforts this year,” said Bobby Anderson, Director of the Stehlin Foundation for Cancer Research. Bobby and Sally Anderson chaired the 2001 gala. “For 21 years, the Friends of the Stehlin Foundation have hosted annual galas to raise money for research and treatment, and to fund the Stehlin Foundation’s Educational Scholarship Program. The ‘Friends’ of the Stehlin Foundation are an incredible group of people.”
The Friends organized the gala, invited corporate sponsors, decorated tables, wooed Ms. Warwick, donated items for a silent auction, and feted cancer pioneer Dr. John Stehlin.
“The Friends pull out all the stops for the gala,” explains Lin Mills, gala development coordinator and past chairperson, “because the gala funds so much cancer research.” Ms. Mills is a former Stehlin patient, having successfully fought breast cancer. “The doctors and scientists at the Stehlin Foundation rely upon us to generate funds for equipment and supplies. And the Educational Scholarship Program has enabled hundreds of students to participate in summer internships at the laboratory.” Longtime Houston news anchor and producer Ron Stone emceed the gala, paying tribute to the doctor who treated his daughter for cancer many years ago. "When my daughter was a teen-ager, she was diagnosed with cancer. Every doctor I talked to said they couldn't help us, except Dr. John Stehlin. Today, she is cancer-free, healthy and happy, with children of her own."
Almost 700 people attended the gala, raising more than $700,000 for cancer research and the Stehlin Foundation's Educational Program. Items in the silent auction ranged from signed sports memorabilia to a vacation in Puerto Vallarta. 37 corporate sponsors bought tables and brought friends to the annual event.
"The Corporate Communications Group from Williams Gas Pipeline was delighted to be part of the Stehlin Foundation gala,"enthused Pat Wente, Director of Communications for Williams. "This is the party for people who love life. It was a gorgeous evening with terrific people-watching, great food, a lovely setting, the absolute best in music, and a spirit that can only come from organizers who know how important and meaningful their work is. We'll be back!"
To find out more about the Stehlin Foundation for Cancer Research and the Friends of the Stehlin Foundation, please call 713.659.1336 or visit www.stehlin.org.