Making a difference

The annual Making a Difference luncheon benefiting El Centro de Corazón drew 180 supporters to make a difference for low-income, medically underserved people in the East End and Greater Houston. The luncheon, chaired by Heidi Rockecharlie and Barbara Van Postman and honorary chairs (pictured, from left) Leila Perrin and Leisa Holland Nelson Bowman, was held at Hotel ZaZa – Museum District and raised close to $140,000. The 2021 Community Leader honoree was Frances Castañeda Dyess for her support of El Centro and her work as the president of Houston East End Chamber of Commerce. Corporate Leader Honoree was presented to Gulf Coast Distillers. Cyndy Garza Roberts emceed and interviewed Dr. Esmaeil Porsa, president and CEO of Harris Health System, and Dr. Roberta Schwartz, executive vice president, chief innovation officer of Methodist Houston. Dr. Porsa and Dr. Schwartz answered questions focused on the pandemic, lessons learned, and disparity in healthcare. This marks the 27th year of operations for El Centro, where more than 13,000 patients are seen per year.

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