Houston’s philanthropic pulse beat stronger than ever on Saturday, November 1, 2025, as The Health Museum hosted its dazzling Annual Health Heroes Gala at the elegant Hotel ZaZa – Museum District. More than 200 guests gathered for an unforgettable evening that seamlessly blended compassion, community, and celebration—all in support of advancing health education and innovation.

This year’s Gala honored Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale, a nationally recognized mental health advocate, for her tireless commitment to destigmatizing mental illness and empowering others through education and empathy. The event raised an astonishing $430,000, a record-breaking achievement that will power the Museum’s mission to ignite curiosity and inspire the next generation of scientists, healthcare professionals, and changemakers.

A Night to Remember: Beauty, Purpose, and Passion

From the moment guests stepped into the reception, the night shimmered with artistic flair and purpose. Houston artist Taft McWhorter set the creative tone with his interactive piece “Note to Self,” inviting guests to leave personal affirmations that later transformed into one of the most coveted auction items.

Inside the ballroom, the atmosphere exuded glamour and gratitude. With décor designed by In Bloom and sponsored by Artella Solutions, gold and crystal accents illuminated tables adorned with lush white roses and hydrangeas—courtesy of UTHealth Houston. The scene radiated warmth, community, and elegance in every detail.

Heartfelt Tributes and Inspiring Moments

The program opened with CW39’s Maggie Flecknoe and The Health Museum President & CEO John Arcidiacono, who celebrated the Museum’s expanding educational impact. Board Chair Susan Bickley offered a heartfelt invocation before guests indulged in a gourmet dinner that paired fine cuisine with fine company.

The highlight of the evening came when Houston legend Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale proudly introduced his daughter, honoree Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale. In an emotional tribute, he shared their family’s journey through mental illness, a story that brought the audience to its feet. Dr. McIngvale, founder of the Peace of Mind Foundation and Director of the OCD Institute of Texas, delivered a stirring speech on resilience and hope, reminding all that “healing begins when we replace stigma with understanding.”

Young Voices, Big Dreams

Two young future leaders—Vanessa Garcia, a former Discovery Camp participant now studying nursing at Houston Christian University, and Mima Loppy, a DeBakey High School student—shared personal stories of how The Health Museum’s programs shaped their dreams in healthcare. Their testimonies brought the mission to life, underscoring how the Museum’s hands-on experiences are creating tomorrow’s medical pioneers.

Bidding for a Brighter Future

The energy peaked during the “Paddles Up” moment led by Auctioneer Dustin Wood of Johnny Bravo Entertainment. Guests enthusiastically raised their paddles to fund life-changing programs such as Discovery Camps, Doc Dissections, Free Family Thursdays, and the one-of-a-kind DeBakey Cell Lab—the nation’s only bilingual, computer-guided cell lab.

Auction highlights ranged from luxurious escapes to meaningful mementos, including a Houstonian Hotel spa retreat, a Rocky Mountain getaway, a Lavish Hotel ZaZa staycation, a Mérida Hacienda culinary retreat, and the “Boots & Bourbon” VIP experience at Republic Boot Co. The evening ended with a lively afterparty hosted by DJ London, who had guests dancing well into the night.

Distinguished guests included community leaders and philanthropists such as Denis and Susan DeBakey, Dr. Margaret-Mary Wilson, Dr. Rahki and Stephen Dimino, Dr. Kelli Cohen Fein and Martin Fein, Claudia and Sepand Moshiri, Dr. William Gilmer, Audrey and David Gow, and Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, whose presence symbolized the heart of Houston’s giving spirit.

A Legacy of Learning and Healing

As the only Smithsonian Affiliate Museum in the Houston Museum District, The Health Museum continues to inspire millions through its interactive exhibits, groundbreaking programs, and partnerships with leading medical experts. Since 1969, it has stood as a cornerstone of discovery and dialogue—where curiosity meets compassion, and science meets humanity.

For more information, visit thehealthmuseum.org.