The Celebration

Over 300 friends of HOPE Clinic came together at the Junior League of Houston for its Sixteenth Annual Luncheon, which honored Donna Cole, CEO and president of Cole Chemical & Distributing, Inc., and Hospital Corporation of America (HCA). Ms. Cole was named Community Honoree and HCA was named Corporate Honoree. For many years, both recipients have provided immeasurable support and guidance for HOPE Clinic’s mission, which is to assist the medically underserved. This year’s honorary co-chairs were The Honorable Theresa Chang and Dr. Peter Chang, who consistently give of their time and expertise to many of Houston’s charitable organizations, including HOPE Clinic. Rose-Ann Aragon of KPRC2 emceed.

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The Story

Each year, HOPE Clinic raises critical revenue through the sale of its Annual Luncheon tickets as well as sponsorships and contributions. This year’s event raised over $130,000, an astounding 60 percent more than last year’s, helping the nonprofit continue providing affordable and quality healthcare for all, regardless of their ability to pay. In 2018, over 100,000 patient visits were made possible by this combined support. Distinguished guests included: State Representative Gene Wu, District 137; Houston City Council member Michael Kubosh, At-large Position 3; Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez; Silver-Haired Legislator Mari Okabayashi; Congressman Al Green’s office, Alice Chen; and Umair Shah, Executive Director of Harris County Public Health.

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The Moments

Lauren McCoy, Regional Director – South Central Region, Community Marketing West for Community Activation and Local Marketing surprised the gathering by presenting HOPE Clinic with a $20,000 check. The check was for achieving first place at the Aetna Voices of Health competition, which was designed to celebrate nonprofit agencies that bring positive change to their communities, inspire communities, and make communities stronger.  

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About HOPE Clinic  

HOPE Clinic began in 2002 to address a widening health disparity gap faced by the rapidly growing immigrant and refugee populations residing in southwest Houston. In 2012, HOPE Clinic became a federally qualified health center (FQHC) that serves anyone, specifically the uninsured, underinsured, and limited English-proficient multicultural residents of the greater Houston area. HOPE Clinic has three locations in southwest Houston offering comprehensive primary, pediatric, obstetric, gynecological, vision, dental, nutrition, and mental behavioral health services. HOPE Clinic partners with various providers to offer services such as pediatric cardiology, pulmonology, hematology, and oncology.

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Thanks to its generous donors, HOPE Clinic has purchased 3.6 acres of land on Bellaire Blvd. and West Eldridge in Houston, which will house its new HOPE Health and Wellness Center. The capital campaign to raise $20 million to build the center will be unfolding in the coming months.