LIVING WITH MS
On the Move Luncheon Thrills with Another Sold-Out Event by Taylor Mallia
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Photos by Kim Coffman
he On the Move Luncheon, held Feb. 20 at Houston’s Hotel ZaZa and benefiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, drew 420 supporters. Chairman Franelle Rogers was thrilled with the fourth consecutive sold-out annual event, which raised more than $170,000. Honorary Chairmen Nancy and Cardon Gerner applauded the efforts. Person on the Move Roz Pactor, an active community volunteer, was honored for her many volunteer efforts, especially for the MS mission. Her brother – Grammy-award winning artist, producer, songwriter, music supervisor and performer Steve Tyrell – came to Houston to present the Person on the Move award. The Society’s cause is close to their family, as Steve’s daughter was diagnosed several years ago. Roz received a standing ovation after the introduction. The crowd was thrilled, especially when a private dinner was auctioned off with Steve as the special guest. Representing the Company on the Move award winner – The Blue Bird Circle Multiple Sclerosis Clinic at Texas Children’s Hospital – was Dr. Timothy Lotze, who spoke of research and new discoveries to help those with MS.
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E.J. Levy shared her personal story of being diagnosed and living with MS. Culturemap’s Shelby Hodge stepped in as emcee when Melanie Lawson had a family emergency. Brothers Griff and Hunter Jaggard shared their story of how Griff’s diagnosis impacted their family. Their mother, Marilyn, has been a Society volunteer on the luncheon committee for several years. Applauding the successful efforts were Wendy Bedortha, Lu Caltagirone, Emily Covey, Lesha Elsenbrook, Judi Johnson, Susanne and Ernest Johnson, Pam Jones, Debbie Kanaly, Elizabeth Kanaly, Ginger Kanaly, Vicki Kanaly, Kathy Knott, Alan and Crystin Pactor, Joelle Rogers, Regina Rogers, Carol Sawyer, Cindy Soefer, Lynda Transier, Donna Vallone, Faye Watt, and Sharon Wilson.
Taylor Mallia is Associate Vice President, Strategic Philanthropy with the National MS Society. Based in Houston, Taylor can be reached at taylor.mallia@nmss.org.