On Saturday, September 26th, 2026, members of the UTMB Dermatology Interest Group volunteered at the National Psoriasis Foundation’s annual Houston Soiree at the C. Baldwin Hotel in Houston. The evening brought together patients, health care providers, advocates, and supporters of the psoriatic disease community to celebrate the work of the NPF and raise funds supporting research, expanded access to care, and continued progress toward cures for psoriatic disease.
UTMB DIG volunteers helped prepare for the event by assembling goodie bags and assisting with other set-up needs before guests arrived. Throughout the evening, volunteers supported guest check-in, helped organize and transport auction items, and assisted with the fundraising and auction portions of the event. At the conclusion of the Soiree, volunteers also helped with guest check-out and cleanup. In addition to its fundraising efforts, the event provided an opportunity to recognize individuals whose work and advocacy have made a meaningful impact on the psoriatic disease community and the mission of the NPF.
Special thanks to Carol Osterhaus, regional development manager for the NPF’s South Central branch, for collaborating closely with our Psoriasis Walk Chair, Ria Kanotra, in coordinating UTMB DIG’s participation in this year’s event. We are grateful for the National Psoriasis Foundation’s continued partnership with UTMB DIG and for the opportunity to support its mission and engage with the psoriatic disease community. Additionally, special thanks are extended to all the volunteers who contributed their time and helped make the 2026 Houston Soiree a success!
Volunteers (Left to Right): Stephanie Rivera-Ithier (MS2), Subin Kim (MS1), Ria Kanotra (MS3, Psoriasis Walk Chair), Puja Bhatia (MS3), and Amna Sidiq (MS2, Education Chair)