Events An Evening with a Legend

Presented by Texas Children’s Hospital and Wells Fargo, this year’s An Evening with a Legend showcased the iconic Idina Menzel — multi-platinum-selling singer/ songwriter, actor, author, and philanthropist. 

Since its inception in 2005, An Evening with a Legend has raised funds for Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center by offering the opportunity to spend the evening hearing from top voices of our time including artists, athletes, world leaders and more. This year’s event marked a transformational moment in the fight against childhood cancer with the launch of Kinder Children’s Cancer Center, a joint venture of UT MD Anderson and Texas Children’s. Proceeds from An Evening with a Legend fuel this historic transition by driving clinical breakthroughs, elevating care, and propelling hope into cures. Earlier that day, the first patients were officially transferred to receive care under Kinder Children’s Cancer Center, marking a poignant milestone. 

Event Chairs Stephanie and Frank Tsuru celebrated with 500 guests, all arriving in chic Manhattan cocktail attire. Blooming Gallery transformed the ballroom at The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston into a golden spring in Manhattan. A fabulous dinner including English Pea | Lemon Risotto; Glazed Short Ribs and New York Cheesecake generated rave reviews. 

Dr. Debra Sukin, President and CEO of Texas Children’s, served as Master of Ceremonies, opening the evening by reflecting on the event’s 19-year legacy as a cornerstone of the organization’s mission. Dr. Shoba Navai, Associate Medical Director at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center, followed with remarks highlighting the center’s transformative research efforts spanning translational science and clinical innovation. 

The charitable crowd was utterly captivated by Idina Menzel, whose powerhouse vocals and quick wit turned the evening into a showstopping, electric experience. She delivered beloved hits including “Let It Go” and “Do You Want to Build a Snowman,” inviting Texas Children’s patients on stage to sing alongside her, which was an unforgettable moment that brought the audience to its feet. The energy reached new heights with a surprise, one-of-a-kind auction: the chance to join Idina onstage for a duet of “Take Me or Leave Me” from Rent. Winners Maureen Hackett and Alice Helms seized the spotlight, the latter earning a resounding standing ovation for her performance. 

The legendary evening, in every sense of the word, raised nearly $900,000 to drive clinical breakthroughs, elevate patient care, and transform hope into life-changing cures.