Cy-Fair Lifestyles and Homes magazine Dec 2009: News Around Cy-Fair

Community celebrates and gives back at NAM’s 2009 Jeans & Jewels gala. Northwest Assistance Ministries’ 11th annual Jeans & Jewels Gala was held at the Woodlands Waterway Marriott with more than 500 guests in attendance.

Among those present were gala honorees Jackie and Pat Riley, gala co-chairs Dana Hines and Diane Porter, and major sponsors Ultra Petroleum Corporation, Valerie and John vonBerg, Linda and Joe Fowler, Citation Oil and Gas, Linda and Harlan Martens, Jackie and Pat Riley, and Joanne and Mike Watford.

The evening began with a cocktail hour featuring a signature turquoise cosmopolitan created and donated by Grey Goose Vodka. Guests enjoyed drinks, appetizers, a silent auction and Big Boards.

The program was emceed by Deborah Duncan of Great Day Houston and included presentations to the gala honorees and co-chairs, a video of NAM’s services and an invocation led by NAM President and CEO Carole Little. The live auction was led by auctioneer Judge Eric Andell. The event grossed more than $430,000 for NAM’s programs and services.

Cy-Fair Hospital Sponsors “Salute to the Stars.” One teacher from each school across Cy-Fair ISD was recognized by the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation for outstanding performance and dedication to their field.

Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital sponsored the 12th annual Salute to the Stars gala at the Berry Center to support the educational efforts of the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation and Cy-Fair ISD.

“The hospital would like to congratulate each recipient on their hard work and dedication, ” said Terry Wheeler, chief executive officer of Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital. “It is because of teachers like these, who help prepare our future doctors and nurses, that we are happy to sponsor such a wonderful event. ”

The event raised more than $145,000 for the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation, which funds both teacher grants and student scholarships for higher education.

nicu reunion. Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital hosted a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit reunion on Oct. 24 to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the opening of the hospital ’s Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Previously a Level II NICU, Cy-Fair Hospital renovated and expanded in 2008 to become the only Level III NICU in the Cy-Fair area.

“The NICU Reunion was such a rewarding event for all nurses because they had an opportunity to see the fruit of their intense labor. It was a wonderful opportunity to catch up with parents and to see what each child ’s journey has been since they left our unit,” said Sandra Chaveleh, nurse manager of the NICU. “Nurses, nurse practitioners, speech therapists and physicians had the opportunity to see how the patients have grown. Parents were surprised to see that our nurses remembered each patient by their first name and not by their illness. I believe that our unique approach for each patient is the key to providing excellent care. ”

More than 200 people were present to celebrate with festivities including a balloon-artist clown, family photographer, moonwalk, face painting, various games, food and refreshments, a pumpkin patch, and a DJ. A fire truck from the Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department was even on hand to help the staff and past patients celebrate.

“Cullen enjoyed going back to the NICU Reunion festival. He saw all of his nurses and he and his brother enjoyed the Cy-Fair fire truck, clowns, games, and cotton candy, ” said Shay McGarr, whose sons Cullen and Brady were both patients of the NICU. “We can’t thank you enough for taking care of our two boys! Cy-Fair’s Level III NICU is a phenomenal addition to Cy-Fair Hospital and one of the best kept secrets in the Northwest. Hopefully, the secret is out now! ”

Fun Run Wraps Up With High Participation - The 18th annual Health Organization of Physical Educators Fun Run was held at the Langham Creek High School track. The Fun Run raised funds to support district physical education departments and scholarships for graduating Cy-Fair ISD seniors who plan to pursue an education degree in health, physical education, recreation or dance. Two graduating seniors received H.O.P.E. scholarships in May 2009.

Fifty-five Cy-Fair ISD campuses were represented at this year’s run. More than 2,100 participants pre-registered for the event and more than 3,000 were in attendance. District P.E. teachers served as volunteers.