Houstonians Are Invited to Open Their Hearts to the Underserved at the 2024 Annual Shifa Healing Hearts Gala
On Sunday, September 15, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., The Ballroom at Bayou Place will be the site of the annual Shifa Healing Hearts Gala, an event Houstonians won’t want to miss. This year, Shifa will be paying special tribute to the extraordinary legacy of Rosie Khan, the director of the Shifa Women’s Center.
Shifa is an invaluable nonprofit whose mission is to provide healthcare and community services to underserved populations. Its main concerns are enhancing the quality of life and chances of survival of underserved people through medical, dental, and social services while focusing on building a community. In 2023 alone, Shifa served 60,000 patients, responded to 20,000 Hotline calls, and served 54,000 meals. The work the organization, which has been rebuilding survivors’ lives for ten years, does is immeasurable.
Its services include medical care; a dental clinic; a women’s center, which provides a transitional home for women and children survivors of domestic and family violence and sexual assault; and community services in diverse communities. These services are made possible by Shifa’s compassionate clinical and administrative team, along with volunteers, the pillars of the organization.
This year’s Healing Hearts Gala to benefit Shifa will feature guest speaker, Juliet Breeze, MD, the CEO and founder of Next Level Urgent Care and the Vice President of Vantage Hospice. A healthcare entrepreneur who has furthered the businesses of others as well as her own, Breeze is also a devoted philanthropist. Her focus is on charities that assist women and children. She has received many awards, including Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce Woman Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017;
EY Entrepreneur of the Year regional finalist in 2017 and 2018; and the President’s award, HBJ Most Admired CEO Awards finalist, and a Top 30 Women in 2019. Her address is sure to be interesting and informative.
As well as attending the gala, there are other ways to support Shifa in its outstanding work. Giving packages are available at various levels, and include: The Patron’s Circle, $50,000; The Good Samaritan, $25,000; The Friends of Shifa Healthcare, $10,000; The Benefactors Society, $7,500; The Supporters, $5,000; and The Advocates, $2,500.
CKW LUXE is proud to be the Media Sponsor for this year’s gala.
Melissa Codio-Smith
Executive Director of Shifa Healthcare
Recently, CKW LUXE had the honor of speaking with Melissa Codio-Smith, Executive Director of Shifa Healthcare, about the organization, her role in it, and the upcoming gala.
CKW LUXE: Please tell us a little bit about your organization and Shifa’s importance to the community.
Melissa Codio-Smith: : At Shifa Healthcare, our mission is to improve the quality of life and increase survival chances for underserved individuals by providing affordable medical, dental, and social services with a strong emphasis on community building. Shifa holds a deep sense of pride in our commitment to serving the diverse needs of the communities surrounding us. In addition to healthcare, Shifa provides comprehensive community services, which aim to address various aspects of individuals’ lives, ensuring holistic support and empowerment. Our three main services are: Women's Center: a safe haven for victims and survivors of domestic abuse, Medical and Dental Clinic, and Community Services.
CKW: What is your role as Executive Director of Shifa Healthcare:
MC: As the Executive Director, my role is to ensure program success, manage resources, and lead fundraising initiatives. Our annual gala, on September 15, 2024, will help us raise funds and awareness for Shifa. All proceeds from the event will support the sustainability of the organization.
CKW: Can you tell us about the importance of the gala, the program, and how anyone who is interested in attending can get tickets?
MC: Events like the gala help us foster strong community relationships and raise awareness about our mission to secure the necessary support and funding from donors and sponsors. With their help, we can continue to serve and make a real impact in the community. It will feature engaging keynote speeches; a special tribute to Rosie Khan, a pioneer who helped establish the Shifa Women's Center; live entertainment; a silent auction; and great food. Tickets are available for $175 each by going to https://shifausa.networkforgood.com/events/69659-shifa-annual-gala-2024 or by sending us an email at info@shifausa.org.
 Amna TanveerOperations Manager - Volunteer Coordinator |  Bisola Ajala DMDDental Care |
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