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28 HEARTS AFIRE THE DOCS ARE IN THE HOUSE WHEN TWO POWERFUL MEDICAL ENTITIES JOIN FORCES FOR A MEGA EVENING. Shelby Hodge wears her heart on her sleeve. Photography Alexander's Fine Portrait Design. S ince taking the helm of the Texas Medical Center four years ago, Dr. Robert (Bobby) Robbins has worn many hats on behalf of the institutions in the vast TMC family. But his role as chair of the American Heart Association's annual Heart Ball may have been the least expected — but not for those who know the cardiologist's soft spot for AHA. After all, his first grant as a young researcher came from AHA a quarter century ago. "The typical story is that if you're a cardiac surgeon, you get your first grant, usually $10,000, from Heart," he said. So, on this glittering night at the Hilton Americas, the good doctor, dashing in his tuxedo, took the helm to welcome 600 guests, who raised more than $2.2 million by night's end. No one could have been more pleased than Robbins. The evening spotlighted Community Honorees Debbie and Jack Moore and Corporate Honoree Memorial Hermann Health System, represented by president and CEO Dr. Benjamin Chu. With a number of physicians in the house, KHOU Channel 11 meteorologist Chita Craft — a glowing 39 weeks pregnant — was at ease with her duties as emcee. Earlier that day, she had made her last newscast before the birth of her son. Of course, Chita's husband, Lane Craft, was on hand in case of an unexpected early arrival. (A few weeks after the gala, Robbins was named the finalist for the University of Arizona presidency. Date of his TMC departure is not yet set.) HEART FRIENDLY: Mayor Sylvester Turner, Margaret Alkek Williams and Jim Daniel, Janiece Longoria and Steve Lasher, Laura Bellows and Jack Pendergast, Lacey and Matthew Goossen, Genny and Rob Walters, Dr. Daniel Penny, Deborah and Gardner Cannon, Ann and Peter Fluor, Brenda and Marc Watts, and Hallie Vanderhider See more Shelby Hodge at papercitymag.com. Mayor Sylvester Turner Yuliya Veratennikova, Dr. Daniel Penny Debbie & Jack Moore Margaret Alkek Williams Dr. Robert Robbins Chita & Lane Craft Joe & Cathy Cleary Kristin & Jay Waring Ryan & Brittany Pearson Myrtle Jones, Beth Wolff