Buffalo Bayou Partnership Picnic Celebrates Five Years Of Buffalo Bayou Park
By Jennifer Roosth Photography by Jenny Antill
THE SETTING: Over 200 Houstonians (135 in-person and 85 virtually at home) joined together for a magical evening to celebrate Buffalo Bayou Park’s fifth anniversary. The Park, is an essential public space in Houston during good times…and even more so when times are challenging. Guests experienced a socially distanced, intimate, and elegant picnic al fresco with garden lights beaming under the stars. Jazzy sounds by José-Miguel Yamal Phase One filled the air as guests opened their picnic baskets packed with a delicious meal by A Fare Extraordinaire.
THE STYLE: Bergner & Johnson provided the magical outdoor setting complete with colorful wildflower centerpieces. Jo’s Mini Mobile Bar was on hand as a whimsical setting for the event’s signature cocktail; a blood orange margarita dubbed Buffalo Rita. Guests were also treated to a performance by ROCO to showcase the orchestra’s musical scavenger hunt currently installed throughout Buffalo Bayou Park through the end of the year. Anthony DiLorenzo’s unique piece, Anthem of Hope: Houston Strong, originally written for the heroes of Hurricane Harvey, was recently re-commissioned to celebrate our frontline COVID workers.
THE PURPOSE: The live event took place at the Water Works at Buffalo Bayou Park. Winifred and Carleton Riser, and Leslie and Shannon Sasser chaired the event. Thanks to the picnic co-chairs and generous donors, the evening raised close to $350,000 for Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s (BBP) support and operating expenses, allowing the non-profit organization to continue revitalizing, maintaining, and activating Buffalo Bayou. Nancy and Rich Kinder, not in attendance, were also recognized for their generous contributions towards BBP and the enhancement of Buffalo Bayou. During the opening remarks, Mayor Sylvester Turner praised BBP and awarded Anne Olson a proclamation of Anne Olson Day. The proclamation celebrated Olson’s 25th anniversary as BBP president and recognized her visionary leadership of Buffalo Bayou Partnership and commitment to making Houston a greener and greater city.
