Transforming Lives Luncheon 2025

The Fourth Annual Transforming Lives Luncheon was held November 11 at The Junior League Houston.  The event was chaired by Y. Ping Sun and honorary co-chairs, Muffet Blake, Theresa Chang, Anne Chao, Regina Rogers and Diana Strassman.

Lily Chen Foster was honored for her exemplary service as an ambassador to the community for The Harris Center and the Foundation. For more than a decade, Lily has been an invaluable member of the Foundation Board – a dedicated leader whose compassion, perseverance, and generosity inspires everyone around her.

Lily’s story is nothing short of extraordinary.  Born in Shanghai before the onset of China’s Cultural Revolution, she was sent to the countryside at just 17 for “re-education” through manual labor. Destiny had other plans when she was discovered by the Shanghai Film Studio.  Lily became a celebrated actress, starring in 18 major films and captivating audiences across China.

Lily later moved to the United States, earned her master’s degree in drama from the University of Houston, met the love of her life, immigration attorney, Charles Foster, and they built a beautiful family with two sons, Zachary and Anthony, daughter-in-law, Rachel and grand-daughter, Ella.

Over time Lily’s passion for storytelling and connecting with others evolved into a deep commitment to philanthropy and community service.  She is a powerful advocate for mental health awareness, using her voice and her heart to support families in need and to help break the stigma surrounding mental illness.

“Click Here” to learn more about Lily’s story and how she embodies the spirit of transformation the luncheon celebrates.

The Luncheon's program was chaired by Bob Eury and focused on The Harris Center's recently expanded efforts to provide longer term transitional support and housing for individuals with mental illness that are unhoused. Its continuum of care in Harris County ranges from crisis stabilization to supportive care that can include housing. Individuals receive mental healthcare and are linked to the services and resources they need to be healthy community members.

The Harris Center is a key collaborator in the community's efforts to reduce homelessness, which have been recognized as a model approach by others nationally.

“Click Here” to learn more about how The Harris Center and its partners are working to end homelessness by addressing the behavioral health needs that often lie at its core.

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2025 Fourth Annual Transforming Lives Luncheon Photo Gallery