Carole Krist, Kristi and David Lumpkins, and Gena and Chuck Norris, were the honorees in attendance at this year’s Krist Samaritan Center gala, held November 5, 2009, at the River Oaks Country Club. A Samaritan Celebration raised nearly $200,000 for the Center’s Counseling Assistance Fund.

More than 250 people attended the event chaired by Elaine and Granville Knight, Jr. The night was dedicated to the five honorees, who were bestowed the Samaritan Spirit Award by the Krist Samaritan Center.  Each honoree, upon receiving the award, spoke to the crowd about their own experiences related to mental health.

Supporters in attendance at the event included Martha Turner, Nancy and Harvill Weller, Christy and Lou Cushman, Carol and John Howenstine, and Susan and Dick Hansen, among others. Guests had the opportunity to bid in the event’s silent and live auctions, with all proceeds benefiting the Center and its counseling and education services.

“We were blessed to honor some truly amazing individuals this year,” said Dr. Jerry DeSobe, executive director of the Krist Samaritan Center for Counseling and Education. “All of our honorees exemplify the Good Samaritan spirit, putting the needs of others before their own.”

Funds raised at A Samaritan Celebration will supplement the Counseling Assistance Fund, a fund that provides high quality counseling on a sliding fee scale. Clients are charged fees based on their ability to pay. Through the generosity of others, everyone is served.

The Carole and Ronald Krist Samaritan Center for Counseling and Education is a not-for-profit, faith-based organization committed to providing affordable counseling services and educational programs to people of all economic backgrounds, as well as training for church and mental health professionals. Founded in 1986, the Center is accredited as a service center and training program by the American Association of Pastoral Counselors and the Samaritan Institute. The Center has served more than 36,000 families and has 21 office locations throughout the Houston and Galveston area.

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