College of Biblical Studies Lights Up City with Grand Plans for Inaugural Gala

HOUSTON - Sept. 19, 2016 - PRLog -- The College of Biblical Studies-Houston's first-ever gala, appropriately themed Illuminate, is creating buzz across the city with talk of its unique lighting décor, art gallery reception, live tandem artists, well-known honorees and powerhouse speaker.

More than 500 people are expected to pack the Hilton Houston Post Oak ballroom Nov. 2 for this don't-miss event, chaired by Lynda and David Tauber, Patti and Jim Fox, and Carolyn and Dale Hortenstine.

This grand gala serves a grand purpose: to raise scholarship funds for low- and middle-income CBS-Houston students studying to become Christian leaders and ministers. Described as an inspiring evening of music, the arts and the powerful Word of God, the gala will include a moving, multisensory presentation about life transformation showcasing music, light and the spoken word by CBS-Houston alumni.

During dinner, award-winning artists Jack and Jill Maxwell will create a painting to be auctioned later in the evening. In addition to their individual accomplishments, this married couple has a national reputation as two of the few illustrators who work side-by-side on stage to create large-scale paintings to visually portray a theme. Their tandem painting has been described as "unique dance of two souls as they paint as one."

CBS-Houston president Dr. Bill Blocker will present the inaugural Faithful Servant Impact Awards at the gala, as well. This year's recipients are I Am Second co-founder Norman E. Miller, Second Baptist coach and former Houston Astros player Lance Berkman, founder and senior pastor of The Church Without Walls Dr. Ralph D. West, orthopedic surgeon and founder of Motivate and Empower Women Dr. Sonya Sloan, A.D. Players founder Jeannette Clift George and founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church Dr. William Lawson.

Dr. Crawford Loritts, internationally renowned speaker, pastor and author from Atlanta, will serve as the evening's grand finale as he brings an uplifting and challenging message. Melanie Lawson, popular news anchor on KTRK ABC13, will emcee the event.

The art gallery reception and silent auction will feature the Maxwells, glass artist Kim Clark Renteria, CBS alumna and painter Anneke Swanson, painter Gary Frisk, and painter, CBS board member and Hines executive Tom Owens. They will be available in person to visit with guests about their work. Pieces by CBS professor Dr. Guy Jackson also will be included in the auction. Third Floor Strings will perform during the reception and also during dinner.

"This event will inspire you, encourage you and challenge you to continue shining bright, despite the craziness happening in the world today," said gala coordinator Dr. Michelle Morris, CEO and managing partner of GideonStone, LLC. "Tables are selling fast, and we encourage you to confirm as soon as possible."

The event host committee (to date) includes Dr. Ann Barnes and Matthew Barnes, Zelda and Dr. Bill Blocker, Marsha and Dr. L.D. Eckermann, Linda and Mike Fox, Martha and Jim Hunt, Andrea and Dr. Paul Keith, Jennifer and Tony Lampkin, Beverly and Bjorn Lindgren, Doris and Terry Looper,Lucy and Skip McBride, Laura and Dr. Harold Mullins, Rosanne and David Oelfke, Suzan and Dr. Joseph Parle, Laura Petersen, MD, MPH, Marilyn and Robert S. "Bob" Simmons, Alma and Dr. Vernus, C. Swisher, Allison and Wes Tolbert, Mary and Dr. Ivory Varner, and Lillian and Dr. Charles Wheat.

The evening begins at 6 p.m. with the art gallery reception and silent auction; dinner begins at 7 p.m. To RSVP, go to http://www.cbsgala.com/ and click on "RSVP." For questions or to discuss sponsorship opportunities, email gala@cbshouston.edu or call 713-570-6618.