OurLegacyToday Winter2016
Legacy Community Health Board of Directors Beth Bruce Chairperson Amanda Goodie Vice-Chairperson Lauren Soliz Secretary Glenn Bauguss Treasurer Glenna Pierpont At-Large / Executive Committee Sehba Ali Beryl Basham Tony Bravo George Burch Dr. Abigail Caudle Victor Cordova, Jr. Cyndy Garza Roberts Bryan Hlavinka Alex Jessett Bethsheba Johnson Alton LaDay Johnson Olatunji John C. Sheptor
2015 Schmooze Hosts Proud to Continue Legacy’s Holiday Tradition Jim Reeder and Eric Nevil’s River Oaks home is a project three years in the making. “This house is meaningful to us,” says Jim, former Chairman of Legacy’s board. ”It was built for Jim and Margaret Elkins. I work at Vinson and Elkins, and my grandfather’s mentor was Judge Elkins.” Jim and his partner of 10 years, interior designer Eric Nevil, proudly debuted their newly remodeled home for the 2015 Holiday Schmooze. The annual party originated with The Center for AIDS (CFA) as a fundraiser for HIV treatment and prevention programs. The CFA merged with Legacy three years ago with the shared goal of fighting HIV, and Schmooze quickly became a vital part of Legacy’s social calendar. Jim and Eric say continuing the event is important because it shows Legacy still values its roots in the gay community, even as the organization has transformed into a full-service family health care provider. “There’s been concern with this growth that the original intent could be lost,” says Eric. “But, Legacy is fulfilling its original commitment.” Jim adds, “Much better than when it was still known as the Montrose Clinic. Legacy now has so many more resources and greater sophistication, as well as more power to deal with LGBT health issues. People listen to them. They’re a thought leader.”
“We feel so fortunate to have been a part of Legacy’s growth from its humble beginnings to now, this incredible organization that spans across the Gulf Coast region,” Jim says. ”The success of Legacy is a direct reflection of (Legacy CEO) Katy Caldwell, who is an incredible leader, and the commitment of volunteers and board members.” Although the Holiday Schmooze filled Jim and Eric’s house with laughter and good cheer, it wasn’t the highlight of the season. A winter wedding at the home sealed their union, as the couple was surrounded by their blended family and two children. “It’s a modern family,” says Jim. “It requires these wonderful kids and special hearts of their mother and us for it to work. It’s been a true blessing.”
Thank You for a Great Year! The economy might not be as strong as has been in years past, but that hasn’t slowed down the investors who once again made an enormous impact on Legacy Community Health. Thanks to a new grant from Houston Methodist, Legacy will be able to serve young people diagnosed with mental health disorders who have recently been released from Harris County Juvenile Detention. The jail system is the largest provider of mental health services in Houston, so this represents a significant opportunity to help troubled young people in Houston lead more stable lives.
Claire Cormier Thielke Chairperson Tripp Carter Vice-Chairperson Mike Holloman
James A. Reeder, Jr. Secretary Michael Alexander Joshua L. Espinedo Bryan Hlavinka Brent N. Whiteley
Jon Shapley/©Houston Chronicle. Used with permission
Jim and Eric are long-time supporters of Legacy. Jim served multiple terms on the board of directors. Both chaired the capital campaign for the new Montrose Clinic, and the building’s board room is named in their honor.
Legacy Community Health Endowment Board of Directors
Treasurer
Eric Nevil and Jim Reeder
Legacy’s maternal fetal medicine program has been a real blessing to women in Southwest Houston. The grant from Noble Energy will help us expand our staff to further help women with high-risk pregnancies and ensures the program will remain a valued resource for years to come. We honored long-time partner H-E-B at our annual September luncheon and, in return, the company lent its name and prestige to the H-E-B Little Readers Endowed Fund. Finally, I’d be remiss not to mention the Cullen Trust for Healthcare, the Brown Foundation, and the Houston Endowment for their generous donations to the Transforming Generations, Changing Lives, Building Healthy Families capital campaign for new facilities in the Fifth Ward and Southwest Houston. All three organizations have set the tone for this important initiative by making leadership gifts that are sure to inspire other community leaders to follow in their footsteps. On behalf of Legacy’s Development Department, please allow me to thank you for everything you have done for the organization throughout these past 12 months. As you read through this newsletter and admire the photos taken throughout the year, please remember that none of it would have been possible without investors, and friends, like you.
Chree Boydstun
Chief Development Officer