Texas Children’s Duncan NRI Raises $400,000 at ‘Once Upon a Time at Amrina’ in The Woodlands

THE WOODLANDS, TX – The Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute (The Duncan NRI) brought together generous supporters and enthusiastic members of the community for a ‘Once Upon a Time’ event at Amrina, benefitting The Duncan NRI’s work to radically change lives.

The evening was hosted by newly named President of Texas Children’s Hospital Debbie Sukin and husband Steve Sukin and longtime supporters of The Duncan NRI Barbara and Mike Feigin. Through generous donations and exciting live auctions, the evening was a grand success, raising over $400,00 for The Duncan NRI. Ralph McIngvale served as auctioneer of two live auction items of the night: a drink auction and a menu item auction. The winner of the drink auction will have their named cocktail on the menu at Amrina for one year, with a portion of the proceeds from its sale going back to The Duncan NRI. For the menu item auction, Amrina offered guests an opportunity to create a dish with Chopped champion and Head Chef Jassi Bindra, Chopped style! One hundred and twenty-five attendees mixed and mingled at a VIP reception surrounded by the effortlessly sophisticated flairs and touches Amrina provides before sitting to enjoy a five-course dinner and wine pairing.

Head Chef Jassi Bindra prepared an astounding menu for guests to enjoy. The first course featured a Tuna Tartare paired with the Contadi Castaldi sparkling Rose from Italy’s Franciacorta wine region, followed by a Crispy Chicken dish served alongside a glass of Abazia di Novacella, a ripe and full white wine from Alto Adige, Italy. The third course consisted of a Chilean Sea Bass paired with the Louis Jadot Chardonnay from France while the fourth course showcased a Beef Short Rib with a glass of Chateau Boutisse Bordeaux from France. The final course featured a sweet sampler that included peanut butter and caramel eclairs, vlueberry swirl mascarpone cheesecake, hazelnut and chocolate truffle torte, and a lemon basil tart, all to be enjoyed with a glass of Vietti Moscato d’Asti from Italy.

As guests wined and dined on the genius creations of Chef Bindra, DJ Randy from Clutch City and violinist Emily Madonia provided live entertainment. The evening was full of wonderful food, drink, and conversation as guests shared engaging time with one another while supporting the efforts of The Duncan NRI.

GUESTS: Debbie and Steve Sukin, Barbara and Mike Feigin, Dr. Huda Zoghbi, John Scales, Niousha and Ali Ansari, Vijay and Maria Goradia, Lonny Soza, Shirley and Ralph Alexander, Patricia and Scott Wilson, Carol and Mike Watford, Virginia Tomlinson

PHOTO CREDIT: Duc Vo for Jenny Antill Photography