Jet-set Houstonians raise $81,000 for MD Anderson at chic Aspen party Colorado mountains provide setting for 19th annual "Making Cancer History" seminar and reception

Rick and Claire Thielke with George Lancaster Rick and Claire Thielke with George Lancaster Photo: Shondia Houtzer Photo: Shondia Houtzer Image 1 of / 23 Caption Close Jet-set Houstonians raise $81,000 for MD Anderson at chic Aspen party 1 / 23 Back to Gallery

What happens in Aspen... is good news for Houston.

Last weekend, a who's who of MD Anderson Cancer Center physicians and supporters gathered at the Aspen Meadows Resort for the 19th annual "Making Cancer History" seminar.

Later, the group joined Bayou City vacationers at Barbara and Gerald Hines' Colorado home on the Roaring Fork River bank for a cocktail rendezvous.

The affair featured beachy decor. Banana palm chandeliers, hanging ferns and white string lights swayed inside a circular white tent. Island sounds wafted in from a xylophone stationed down by the water.

A festive buffet of Latin cuisine including beef fajitas, Cuban mushroom tamales, empanadas, mini- churros and arroz con leche completed the scene.

"The Rio Grande II," an original abstract oil on canvas painting created by the hostess, sold to Sheree and Nelson Frede, following their $17,500 winning silent auction bid. In total, the al fresco shindig brought in an impressive $81,000.