Evening for a Cure: A Celebration of Life-Saving Research at Texas Children’s Hospital’s Duncan Neurological Research Institute

THE WOODLANDS, TX - Generous members of the Woodlands community have gathered to celebrate the annual MainStreet America Gala benefiting The Duncan NRI for over ten years, but COVID put a pause to the beloved celebration. Longtime supporters of The Duncan NRI Barbara and Michael Feigin aimed to reengage the community with a special cocktail reception held at their Carlton Woods residence.

Guests were invited to residence of Barbara and Mike Feigin to learn about the impressive milestones and scientific advances of The Duncan NRI team led by Dr. Huda Zoghbi. Guests were also thrilled at the announcement of ticketed September 28 event “Once Upon a Time,” benefitting The Duncan NRI’s work to radically change lives.

Sipping on refreshing mixes and libations, attendees listened to EVP of Houston Methodist and CEO of Houston Methodist The Woodlands Debbie Sukin’s personal experience of raising two sons with neurological disorders and their journey at The Duncan NRI and Texas Children’s Hospital. Founded in 2010, The Duncan NRI works to find cures for the most devastating neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Throughout the night, guests indulged in a curated assortment of passed bites by Chef Lawrence Fogarty such as ahi poke tuna cones paired with tograshi avocado and wasabi tobiko; mushroom arancini accented by porcini, black truffle, shaved parmesan, and chives; and flavorful push pops comprised of house-made bacon jam, tomato, micro-arugula, and mayo foam. Diners were also treated to Chef Lawrence’s specialty—a signature cheese ball with charcuterie and various fruits.

The culinary highlight of the night was savory custom created bowls featuring of tandoori chicken with basmati rice, cucumber relish, raita; beef chimichurri with heart of palm salad, gallo pinto, red pepper; and southern shrimp & grits with creamed corn relish, tomato-tarragon jam. Guests also created their own dumplings with options like crystal shrimp har gow, chicken, ginger, and more. The feast concluded with a special Indian-inspirated pani puri sweetended with mango custard, lemon curd, toasted coconut, mint, sesame, and caramel.

Guests included Dr. Huda Zoghbi; Barbara and Mike Feigin; Debbie and Steve Sukin; Susan and Jon Harris; Shirley Alexander; Dr. Hsiao-Tuan Chao; Dr. Mingshan Xue; Judith Feigin and Colin Faulkner; Brynn and Peter Huntsman; Beth and Arthur Sands; Nav and Surpreet Singh; and Preet Singh.