TCC's Boots & Spurs Gala Another Crowd Pleaser
2/19/2009 -
PASADENA, TX - One of Texas Chiropractic Colleges biggest and most popular events each year, the Boots & Spurs Gala was held on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009. The 18th annual event returned to the Westin Oaks Galleria Ballroom with 310 revelers attending.
Dr. & Mrs. Otis Thomas were honored during the evenings program as the honorary chairpersons for the event.Dr. Thomas is an emeritus regent of the TCC Board of Regents. He served as a board member during some of TCC's most glorious and also critical times. He has been an ardent supporter of TCC over the years. His wife, Peggy, helped him establish his practice and was the office manager for many years. Their son, Randy, and granddaughter, Amanda, have followed in his footsteps as chiropractors. His brothers, L. G. and Lamar Thomas, also graduated from TCC and practiced in the Houston area until their deaths.
The evening began with The Rockin Relics, featuring TCC's own Drs. Stephen Foster and Brad Koby. After the Relics set, guests enjoyed a three-course dinner which featured a salad of fresh spinach leaves and feta cheese, sundried tomatoes, mushrooms & spiced pecans with warm sherry vinaigrette; and an entrée of Porcini rubbed filet, shitake port glaze paired with chicken breast wrapped in puff pastry, stuffed with duxelle, chervil sauce. For dessert, guests enjoyed Chocolate mousse brownie with fresh strawberries or seasonal mixed berries devonshire.
TCC Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement Bill Clements served as the master of ceremonies for the evening. Following the dinner, the program proceeded with the recognition of Dr. and Mrs. Thomas and greetings by TCC President Dr. Richard G. Brassard and Chairman of the Board of Regents Johnny Blau. 
Auctioneer J.E. Bear Hebert was on hand again this year and led the house through another lively auction. There were some great items available for this year’s live auction, including a day at Buckhorn Ranch, a Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo package with featured tickets to seven shows, beer for a year, an adult-sized electric scooter and a chance to be a fighter pilot for a day. The evening was highlighted by the arrival of headliner Mark Chesnutt and his band to the stage. Guests took to the dance floor and requested their favorites.
“The Gala was another grand evening," noted Dr. Brassard. "I'd like to thank everyone who sponsored tables and purchased tickets, participated in the auctions, and took the time from their busy schedules to join us. “I’d also like to thank the many area businesses donated items for the auctions. During these challenging economic times, it means a great deal to me that so many people continue to step up and support Texas Chiropractic College."
Also joining in the celebration were State Representative Ken Legler; Judge Holly Williamson; former Chairman of the Texas State Board of Education and TCC Alumnus Dr. Jack Christie; long-time TCC supporter Mel Cowart; Deborah Ingersoll, Legislative Lobbyist; Pasadena Councilwoman Jackie Welch and her husband Bill Welch, a former Pasadena Councilman; Pasadena Councilwoman Dana Philibert; Deer Park Councilwoman Becky Stockstill-Cobb; and former Pasadena Councilman James Guthrie. Bay Area Economic Partnership president, Bob Mitchell, and members of the TCC Board of Regents. Gala Corporate Sponsors included NCMIC Insurance Group and Standard Process.
