These Houston philanthropists strive to make a difference

By Lisa Malosky
Photography by Evin Thayer

Houston is home to countless generous and caring givers. Whether it’s helping to find a cure for disease, providing healthcare services for the less fortunate or improving youth educational opportunities, local philanthropists happily seek to improve the lives of others. Presenting our second annual “Charity Angels.”

Doug and Sarah have been married 21 years, and their union works because they are committed to each other, their four children and their community.

“To whom much is given, much is expected,” explains Doug, CEO of El Paso Energy. “We feel very blessed and very fortunate.”

“ We feel we should give back,” adds Sarah.

The native Houstonians divide their philanthropic efforts into four categories: church, community, children and education.

“The Council on Alcohol and Drugs, along with Goodwill comprise the bulk of our community giving,” Doug says.

“Kipp, Teach for America, Small Steps Nurturing Center and Rice University are where we devote our time and resources in regard to education,” said Sarah, a retired anesthesiologist who recently joined the board of the UT Health Science Center.

“The Children’s Museum, The Periwinkle Foundation and the South Campus Redevelopment Project fill out our giving to children’s charities,” Doug said.

Bill and Melissa King

Through personal hardship, Bill and Melissa have learned the importance of charity.

“In eight years of marriage, Bill and I have been dedicated to helping others help themselves. We have individually known hardship, failures and heartbreaks, and without the support and encouragement of others, we doubt we would be where and who we are today,” says Melissa, mother to a blended family of four children.

Bill, currently of counsel to Bracewell & Giuliani, LP, serves as chair for the Galveston Bay Foundation, and for Interfaith Ministeries. He is also the co-founder and president of the Houston Fire Fighters Foundation.

Melissa, a third generation Texan, is on the board of directors for SEARCH and Neighborhood Centers Inc., and was appointed by Lt. Governor David Dewhurst to a six-year term on the Texas Council on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders.

“Bill and I are motivated to work with organizations that provide education and assistance to an individual’s independence and success, preventive health measures and outreach to underserved communities,” Melissa says.

DAVID and Mary Ann McKeithan

While Mary Ann and David may have been born in Oklahoma, 38 years in Houston qualifies them as true Texans.

“We have been married 47 amazing years,” says Mary Ann, “and are the proud parents of three beautiful daughters, three terrific sons-in-law and nine wonderful grandchildren. We are expecting number 10 January 31st!”

Mary Ann and David, a retired insurance services executive, are involved with The Methodist Hospital and Mary Ann is currently serving as covice president of special events for the Partnership at Baylor College of Medicine. Mary Ann was named the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America’s “Woman of Distinction Ambassador” in 2005.

“David and I have chaired numerous balls and galas in Houston,” Mary Ann says. “We love the opportunity to work together and raise money for our community. I have always been passionate about the arts, the Houston Symphony in particular, and chairing the Symphony Ball in 2008, which raised over one million dollars, was very gratifying.”