May 29, 2013; Houston, Texas – The Holly Rose Ribbon Foundation presents Patricia Rauch with the Tracey Hilfman Award:
Native Houstonian and former commodities broker for Dean Witter, Patricia Rauch, is called “Da Dish” by her husband Mark Rauch whom she has been married to for almost 30 years. She has a BBA from U. of Texas in Finance/Accounting. Her daughter, Danielle, describes Trisha as “ the most adorable person in the world,” and her other daughter, Alissa admires her mother’s strength. Albert Einstein said that “only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” Trisha has shown this by chairing many events for the cultural and visual arts for children with learning differences affiliated with TUTS, she chaired Two Children’ Scholarship Balls for the Jewish Community Center, Two Torch of Liberty Galas for the Anti-Defamation League, a children’s Victory event for the American Cancer Society, The River Visual and Performing Arts Gala, Photofest, the 75th Anniversary Gala of the JCC, she co-curated the opening exhibit of the Minceberg Gallery, she volunteers bi-weekly for the cultural arts Medicine Program at Methodist Hospital, chaired the Torah Fund Luncheon for Congregation Beth Yeshurun, and co-chaired the Annual Gala for the Neuhaus Education Foundation, in addition to being active at her children’s schools. She has done this while also sitting on over 6 boards including The Children’s Museum of Houston, The Holocaust Museum Houston, the Thyroid Society, and volunteering every week for the cultural arts Medicine Program at Methodist Hospital. Of course she has received many awards in leadership and giving. She and her husband are the founding donors of the Stasney Chorus.
Patricia has had her share of health challenges or opportunities. She has lived for 16 years with two surgeries for metastatic paraganglioma. Currently she has tumors in her left skull base, neck, pancreas and liver. Patricia Rauch goes extra miles to help others, writing lovely hand-written notes, bringing gifts, food, honoring them, while taking care of her two children, husband, relatives, and friends. Four of her relatives have survived cancer. Even as an the recipient of The Tracey Hilfman Award for The Holly Rose Ribbon Foundation, Patricia went out of her way to acquire auction items, hand-wrote her invitation list, and filled two tables. Not to mention, that she will be writing thank-you notes to all you who are here in her honor. As Albert Einstein said, “Strive not to be a success but rather to be of value.” Patricia Rauch is both of value and a success. Thank you so much Terrific Trisha, as my beloved Holly called you, for letting the Holly Rose Ribbon Foundation honor you with the esteemed Tracey Hilfman Award, an award that honors individuals that give of themselves to make the world a better place for all humanity.
Nine years ago, the Holly Rose Ribbon Foundation 501 ( c ) (3), a non-profit organization, was formed for the purpose of providing free reconstructive surgery for cancer patients that do not have alternative means. They furthered the mission to include wigs, permanent eyebrows, reconstruction on children with pre-cancerous tumors on the outside, and men. In addition, the Holly Rose Ribbon Foundation provides cancer out-reach, live food alternative treatments, transportation and babysitting to those undergoing reconstruction after various cancers. The foundation was founded by Dr. Franklin and Cindi Rose, when Cindi heard from her beloved sister, Holly Skolkin that many cancer survivors feel “sick” if their outsides look deformed, and scarred from tumors being removed, or mastectomies.
Unlike other non-profits there are no salaries, Dr. Rose and Cindi forfeit income to take care of the many individuals who contact the organization, and the fund-raisers are done without a staff. The small proceeds taken in, pay for hospitals, nurses, implants, alternative retreats for cancer wellness, airfare of patients, and other doctors. Each year around 12 people benefit with a million dollars of free services, however, this is done with only raising around $150,000. Cindi works to get most services donated, and her main fundraiser, generously donated by Flemings Prime Steak & Wine Bar profits $60,000 to $100,000, with only 80 people being able to attend. It includes a 6 course dinner, gorgeous florals, vocals, the best wines, cognac and cigars on the patio, and the “see and be seen” crowd. This is due to the high-end live auction Cindi Harwood Rose is able to spend a year putting together, one that includes round-trip first class Business tickets for two from United Airlines, fabulous jewelry this year from
Uptown Diamond & Jewelry, who created an exquisite over $20,000 valued pink diamond ring just for the Holly Rose Ribbon Foundation. There will be nine auction items, of which one will be a year of dinner for two—one per month– at fabulous restaurants, a premier case of wine valued at $1,200, a custom men’s suit from Lucho, then there is a catered dinner in a home with award winning singer Kristine Mills, and a case of wine, an incredible wine dinner for 8 at River Oak’s Fleming’s Prime Steak & Wine Bar, including car driver and service. There will also be a half-year of beauty with massage, hair, and medical spa treatments & more. First Street Surgical Center in Bellaire is a major underwriter of this event, as well as the expensive surgeries. Thank you everyone for your wonderful contributions to the auction this year. When you contribute, you are helping to save lives, one surgery at a time.
Since our conception, we have helped both genders, all ages, all races, and individuals from foreign countries in their wellness. The over 100 people we have served (with no salaries, thus all funds go to the patient) have all remained alive, beating the odds and statistics. However, the love of the Holly Rose Ribbon Foundation, inspired by the love from Cindi’s sister, Holly Harwood Skolkin, helps the patients want to live. When they see themselves looking whole, they feel better and they are able to meet daily tasks, and set goals. We look forward to your support and want to thank you in advance for your consideration. This year our event is May 29, at Fleming’s on West Alabama. Tickets are $350 to $1,000 per person. Chairs are Jessica Rossman and Kim Padgett with Trish Rauch being honored with the prestigious Tracey Hiflman award. Her husband, Dave Hilfman, will be auctioneer, and Sam Governale, operating partner of Fleming’s will serve as honorary chair. Thank-you again, you are helping families stay together, and loved ones feel loved. Cancer affects 1 in 5 people, and we are working on cancer prevention and wellness.