A Musical Evening Jazzes Up Friends as they Help Others

Dr. Jalanda Lemar at the silent auction

Dr. Jalanda Lemar at the silent auction

By Jawahar Malhotra

HOUSTON: As predictable as the Spring showers and the reassuring touch of a friend’s steady hand during a crisis, the local quiet little charity that has made its mark on scores of desperate people who have no other place to turn to for medical help, Friends Helping Friends celebrated its thirteenth year as a group with its annual gala at Mangiano’s Italian restaurant on Post Oak on Sunday, August 10.

FHF stayed true to the formula that has brought in its supporters over the past few years that it has held the gala at the same venue. Off to one side was a room for the silent auction pieces which all went except for a beautiful painting by rising local Indian artist Neil Sen which did not meet the minimum bid. As usual, the roster of dependable members stood by to register and greet the approximately 160 guests who attended the evening’s event.

As in the past year, the emcee evening was Meena Datt, hostess of the long-running Music of India and Ghungroo radio shows, who welcomed everyone with her easy, breezy style and lightened the mood with a few well-chosen jokes.
“Despite implementation of the Affordable Care Act, over 6 million Texans remain uninsured.” said Jason Borillo, President of Friends Helping Friends. “While there is political debate over government-backed health insurance, our group has continued to provide assistance for the uninsured and underinsured since 2001,” he proudly pointed out. He introduced Carolyn Weissen, who suffers chronic idiopathic urticaria, and she explained how FHF has assisted her with purchasing medication that she could not afford. “The medication has really improved my quality of life,” she added.

Featured speaker Leela Krishnamurthy spoke about the joy in giving freely to others.

Featured speaker Leela Krishnamurthy spoke about the joy in giving freely to others.

The guest speaker was Leela Krishnamurthy, a much-respected community activist and has been on the boards of several area wide organizations like UNICEF, the Asia Society, Indo American Charity Foundation, and currently the Habitat for Humanity. A longtime supporter of FHF, she warmly spoke about her first experience with the organization, as they assisted a loved one with funeral costs. She closed by urging younger people to participate in spreading the goodwill of volunteerism.

Long known for its innovative approach to entertainment at their galas, FHF once again turned to a new performer, shedding the traditional comedy oriented acts. This year entertainment was provided by “The Voice” Leo Joseph Polk who has dedicated almost 45 years of his life to jazz music. His performance on the trumpet and his voice provided lively entertainment throughout the dinner of Mangiano’s legendary huge dishes.

Emcee Meena Datt during the evening’s program

Emcee Meena Datt during the evening’s program

Dr. Neera Bhutani, the first President of FHF, closed the event out with thanks to Stephen Jones, CEO of Clear Lake Regional Hospital and Dr. Bhupendra Turakhia for their continued support since the inception of the organization in 2001. She reminded everyone to give generously to help those who really in need.