from Shelby Hodges

GARY FOUNTAIN FOR THE CHRONICLE

Bob Devlin, from left, Melissa Mithoff and Monsour Taghdisi at the Legacy Community Health Services luncheon. Mithoff was the luncheon chair, and Devlin and Taghdisi were honorees.

Shame, shame
What's up with Ivana Trump? She signed on months ago to be guest speaker at the Legacy Community Health Services annual luncheon and was unruffled when the date had to be changed because of Hurricane Ike.

But on Tuesday she was a no show. First she cancelled on the swank cocktail reception that her pal and bridesmaid Joan Schnitzer-Levy had planned for Monday night in her River Oaks home. Trump, however, assured organizers she would be in Houston Tuesday morning in time for the event at Wortham Theater Center.

She kept her word and caught a 6:30 a.m. flight out of New York. But once the plane landed, she called to whine that she wasn't feeling well and was getting on a return flight within the hour.

The funny thing is — she wasn't really missed. The show went on with luncheon chair Melissa Mithoff, Channel 2 news anchor Jerome Gray serving as emcee and Legacy Community Health Services executive director Katy Caldwell not skipping a beat.

Legacy Leadership awards were presented to honorees Monsour Taghdisi and Neiman Marcus' Bob Devlin — two men so charming that Ivana's fading grace wasn't needed.

Ivana Trump at Legacy event

In yesterday's ramblings, I mentioned Ivana Trump would be coming to Houston for a Legacy event. So here's the scoop bois and gurrls.

On September 16, 2008, Legacy will be having its Stepping Stones Luncheon. Legacy is one of Houston's premier healthcare providers to those less fortunate. The luncheon is an ideal opportunity for key Houstonians to come together and learn more about the serious lack of quality healthcare for Houston's underserved, and how Legacy is striving to meet our city's needs.

This year our corporate honoree is Neiman-Marcus. The individual honoree is Monsour Taghdisi. Neiman-Marcus and Monsour have been big supporters of Legacy and it is a pleasure to give them this recognition. Chairperson for the event is Melissa Mithoff.

In addition to providing our guests with information about Legacy, international icon and businesswoman Ivana Trump has agreed to come and speak to our guests. This is a major coup for us.

I went and did some research on Ivana and was reminded that:

• she was born in Czechoslovakia;
  
• she has a Masters Degree in Physical Education;


• she was a member of the Czechoslovakian Women’s Ski Team;


• she immigrated to Canada to pursue her skiing career and then became a model.

I remember how the divorce from The Donald was plastered all over the newspapers and tabloids. I also remember thinking that this is a strong woman with a sharp business acumen and she would be just fine even though people were wondering, "Who is Ivana without Donald?"

In addition to being a successful business woman and author, Ivana travels extensively on the international lecture circuit. She is an active member in community and charitable organizations including, New York City Ballet, American Cancer Society, United Cerebral Palsy, March of Dimes, and many organizations benefiting children living with HIV/AIDS.

This luncheon is by invitation only so if you are interested in attending, please contact me at absolutrunnr77007@yahoo.com and I will give you the details.

..........

Services Provided By Legacy

Healthcare For Men & Women: Legacy focuses on prevention and early diagnosis and treatment of common health issues unique to men and women including sexual health issues.

Heathcare For Children: Legacy works with the family to ensure that children get their regular checkup including vaccines and immunizations. Our goal is to keep children healthy.

Family Planning: These services are designed to improve reproductive health including affordable birth control methods and providing exams and education on sexually transmitted diseases.

Eye Care: Our physicians specialize in both optometry and ophthalmology services to promote healthy eyes and to maintain or improve vision. Glasses and contact lenses are also offered.

Mental Health Services: These services are for assessment, diagnosis, counseling and treatment of mental illness to improve quality of life. We treat both adults and children.

Health Promotion & Community Outreach: Legacy participates in health fairs and community outreach events to deliver health information and services directly to individuals to promote healthy behaviors and encourage early detection diseases.

Wellness Services: Providing nutritional counseling, physical therapy and massage allows Legacy to take a holistic approach to healthcare especially in patients with diabetes, high cholesterol, and HIV/AIDS.

Specialty Healthcare for HIV/AIDS: Legacy is nationally recognized for its comprehensive HIV/AIDS services including testing, counseling, treatment, social services, vision services, financial assistance and prevention education for those living with the disease.

Legacy Advocacy Project: Advocates at the city, state and federal government levels for fair and effective healthcare related policies.

Ramblings Of A Caffeinated Mind 15.1

Project Runway
Last night's challenge was to create a design for drag queen. Some of the contestants did a wonderful job and went over the top and a few fell flat on their face.

Surprisingly, Str8 Joe won the challenge! He had some strong competition from Terri and Korto. And I must ask, "Why didn't one of the fags end up in the top three?" Instead they were the bottom (three) and Blayne should have been with them. Just sayin'.

Once again, there were some funny lines last night. This one was actually a compliment. It's not verbatim and I can't remember who said it: "It looks like the love child from Mahogany and Gene Simmons."

The other one (not verbatim) that made me cackle was a comment that RuPaul said to Keith, "And the dingo ate your baby. All I'm hearing is excuses."

For a recap (because I can't compete with these two and wouldn't even DARE to try), check in with LoneStar Steve and David Dust.

Olympic Fever

There are just too many events to cover and too many accolades to give. However, I would like to blame Misty May-Treanor & Kerri Walsh for making me get to bed late last night. You see...

I have ALWAYS loved volleyball. I've had my moments on the court but I actually like watching it more than I enjoy playing it. Whether it's men's volleyball or women's volleyball, indoor or beach, I *heart* volleyball.

So last night after America's Greatest Dog, Project Runway and Shear Genius I flipped channels over to the Olympics only to realize that it was the gold medal match for Women's Beach Volleyball and it was live! It was also pouring down rain in Beijing but the game was going to happen one way or the other.

It was EXCITING! Misty May-Treanor & Kerri Walsh defended their gold medal from 2004 Athens and racked up consecutive win #108. You geaux girls!

By the time it was over, my adrenaline was pumping. The Calvinator went to bed without me and even came back to the living room to see if I was ready to go to bed. I couldn't sleep I was so excited.

Weird Things
Do you ever catch yourself doing something weird?

I've noticed that recently I've been pinching my waist to see if I have a muffin top. I notice it when I'm at the gym, running or at the grocery store. I'm sure I do it others time during the day. Weird isn't it?

Have You Ever...
seen a nice butt and want to walk up and grab it? Just askin'.

Rain
OK. So we go from near drought levels to having the wettest month of the year and the month isn't over yet. I know I shouldn't complain but it is causing me to have to run on the treadmill and I hate running on a treadmill. So to add to my misery I do inclines and I hate running inclines!

With all of this rain, don't worry, I haven't left my cake out because I'll never have that recipe again.

World AIDS Day Houston 2008 (Dec. 1)
Plans are underway for a week long commemoration of World AIDS Day. As soon as we get definite details for the events, we will have them posted on the website.

I'm really impressed with the cooperation and involvement of so many people. It's a good group of people working for a good cause.

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OK bois and gurls, that's about it for today. Tomorrow I'll give you details about Ivana Trump coming to Houston for a Legacy event.