CENTENARY CELEBRATION

CENTENARY CELEBRATION

by | Sep 1, 2024 | R.S.V.P. HOUSTON, Fall/Winter 2024

Memorial Park Conservancy Celebrates 100th Year With Al Fresco Gala

By Rob Giardinelli       Photography by Jenny Antill

THE SETTING: The Clay Family Eastern Glades at Memorial Park was the setting for a springtime gala al fresco to commemorate the centennial of one of Space City’s most beloved green spaces. Over 450 of the city’s most prominent sociables, nature lovers, and philanthropists turned out for Memorial Park Conservancy’s The Park Ball: Celebrating 100 Years and the result was a dazzling evening and jubilant celebration that those fortunate enough to be a part of will not soon forget.

THE STYLE: The park chic-attired crowd featured an array of warm weather fashions that included bright colors, floral prints, and pastels with a “no ties or heels” policy, which created a relaxed, welcoming environment for all. Guests began the evening with a festive al fresco cocktail reception in the Clay Family Eastern Glades, where patrons mingled in anticipation of the fun ahead. Revelers then moved to the nearby open-aired tent for the evening’s program. 

The beautifully decorated tables, with a mix of vibrant spring flower arrangements that included roses, ranunculus, and wildflowers, perfectly complemented the gorgeous night. While attendees dined on a multi-course menu courtesy of City Kitchen, they were treated to words about Christopher Knapp and his tireless support for the park over the years. There was also an update on the future of the park from community leaders, including the lead architect, Thomas Woltz, of Memorial Park’s Ten-Year-Plan, ensuring that the destination will be a must-visit space for Houstonians and beyond for many years to come.

THE PURPOSE: The Park Ball: Celebrating 100 Years, co-chaired by Karol and Paul Barnhart,  Kate and Steve Gibson, and Diane and David Modesett, raised a record-breaking $1.25 million for the Memorial Park Conservancy. Proceeds from the event will go towards initiatives to restore, preserve, and enhance Memorial Park for all of the region’s citizens to enjoy.

GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY

GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY

by | May 30, 2020 | Summer 2020, Parties, Houston

2020 Houston Ballet Ball Celebrates the 50th Anniversary

By Jennifer Roosth             Photography by Alida Bonifaz, Gary Fountain, Jacalyn Lawton, Wilson Parish, and Dave Rossman

THE SETTING:  For the first time since Hurricane Harvey, The Houston Ballet brought its annual event back to the Wortham Theater Center, its performance home, to celebrate an unforgettable golden 50th anniversary Ballet Ball. More than 400 guests clad in black tie made their way through Fish Plaza, with its shining runway covered in red carpet and lined with spotlights into the Wortham Theater. The room had been transformed into a glamourous golden palace, a nod to the 50th anniversary, by Richard Flowers of The Events Company. Tables covered in a mix of sparkling gold linens and mirrors lit the room. The look was elegantly completed by lush cream floors that paralleled crystal and custom gold chandeliers delicately suspended throughout the room.

THE STYLE:  Upon entering the theater, guests were greeted by Houston Ballet Academy dancers who donned gold costumes from classic Houston Ballet performances. The dinner, prepared by Jackson and Company, began with a golden caviar French macaron, black truffle and potato panna cotta followed by Lobster Bisque hand-poured by the servers–an elegant touch. The main course was a perfectly aged Angus beef tenderloin with haricots verts, rainbow baby carrots, polenta with caramelized shallots, and a gorgonzola tart.

For dessert, guests enjoyed Chocolat a la Margaret, a gold-painted chocolate sphere filled with chocolate mousse, hazelnut dacquoise, and glacé raspberries in honor of the tireless support of longtime patron Margaret Alkek Williams for her dedication, leadership, and commitment to the organization. As dessert was served, company dancers emerged from their seats and surrounding entrances surprising guests with a choreographed piece by Houston Ballet First Soloist, Oliver Halkowich. Guests were captivated by this moment and erupted in applause when Artistic Director Stanton Welch and Executive Director Jim Nelson joined the surprise performance. As the impromptu production came to an end, the dancers rolled out a commemorative nine-foot cake, adorned with 50th anniversary candles, onto the dance floor before the gold confetti grand finale.

THE PURPOSE:  Beth and Nick Zdeblick chaired the event this year, while Phoebe and Bobby Tudor served as honorary chairs. The annual event raised nearly $1.8 million for the Houston Ballet, making it the most successful Ballet Ball in its history, and this over-the-top golden anniversary event will not soon be forgotten.

 

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