The 2023 Pillars of Strength Luncheon at The Briar Club on May 2, 2023 raised more than $160,000 in critical funds needed to advance our mission.

Luncheon chair Rene Casares excitedly welcomed guests for a meaningful afternoon while Greater Houston Partnership President and CEO, Bob Harvey, emceed the event.

Beloved Houston icon and KPRC 2 meteorologist, Khambrel Marshall, was honored for his deep commitment and passion for helping the community, especially as his work relates to mental health advocacy. As host of “Houston Newsmakers,” Marshall delves into issues in the news that southeast Texans most care about. Bob Harvey presented Marshall with a proclamation from the City of Houston declaring the day as “Khambrel Marshall Day.”

Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale delivered a compelling keynote address that touched on her journey with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), the stigma surrounding mental health and the barriers that prevent people from getting help. She challenged everyone attending to support organizations like Family Houston that are changing the lives of those who live with mental illness.

“We were thrilled to welcome our Family Houston supporters back in-person to once again celebrate our Pillars of Strength Luncheon. We could not do what we do without their generosity,” said Sergio V. Leal, Chair of Family Houston’s Board of Directors. “For more than 119 years, Family Houston has been a vital resource within our community, and I am excited for the organization’s future.”

Plans are being developed for the 2024 luncheon; details to be released later this year.