by societytexas | 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.
by Lance | Dec 18, 2022 | Blog
Dr. Robert Hilliard, Jr., Chree Boydstun, Mary Patton and Milton Townsend
Legacy Community Health Annual “Holiday Schmooze”
By Jennifer Roosth Photography by Killy Chavez
David LaDuke, Bonnie and Rob Lloyd, Allison Thigpen, Chree Boydstun and Gary Hammett
Houston’s unpredictable weather didn’t dampen the holiday spirit of the 150 revelers who came out to mix and mingle at Holiday SCHMOOZE. Leading the helm of this soiree were co-chairs Mary Patton and Milton Townsend, with Townsend graciously opened his beautifully decorated home for this magical event benefiting The Jackson Hicks Endowed Fund for the Awareness, Prevention, and Treatment of HIV/AIDS at Legacy Community Health.
Eric Van Haselen, Steve Pate, Tylor Hearn and Gerry Heard
George Lancaster and Phoebe Tudor
The glam squad crowd was treated to a winter wonderland with holiday trees decorated by the co-chair duo, and spectacular floral arrangements that were created by Rebekah Johnson of Bergner & Johnson Design. The festive crowd were greeted to flavorful cocktails upon arrival and enjoyed light bites created by Jackson and Company. Bonnie and Rob Lloyd of Lloyd Wines graciously provided flavorful selections from their winery.
Tarek El-Bjeirmi, Ceron and Shannon Hall
SCHMOOZIN’ and celebrating the season were Legacy Community Health Chief Development Officer Chree Boydstun, Legacy Chief Executive Officer Dr. Robert Hilliard and Greg Fown, Legacy Chief of Staff Benjamin Stewart, Legacy Chief of Population Health Dr. Vernicka Sales, Legacy Chief of Clinical Services Dr. Vian Nguyen, Chief Information Officer David Chou, Ben Patton, Gary Hammett and David LaDuke, Mike Holloman and Juan Querol, Bryan Hlavinka, Naveen Pinglay and Lynn Nazareth, George Hawkins, Phoebe Tudor, Courtney Hopson, Kari Findley, Mary Ann and David McKeithan, Kashay and Steve Crawford, Shannon Hall, Tripp Carter, Nancy Allen, Gerry Heard and Tylor Hearn, Shannon Hall, Sharon Land, Linda Cantu, Hani Barazi and Serene Wafai, Cathy Easter, Melissa and Michael Mithoff, Steve Pate and Eric Van Haselen among many others.
Trent Hrncir and Courtney Hopson
MIchael and Melissa Mithoff
by societytexas | Oct 30, 2022 | R.S.V.P. HOUSTON, 2022 November December, Parties
Houston Symphony Opening Night Concert And Gala’s Grand Style
By Jennifer Roosth Photography by Priscilla Dickson and Daniel Ortiz
THE SETTING: Recently, over 300 guests, donning their finest black tie attire, attended the Houston Symphony’s Opening Night concert and gala. Upon arrival at Jones Hall, partygoers enjoyed champagne and hors d’oeuvres on the Mezzanine level before making their way into see concert. The evening featured Juraj Valčuha leading the orchestra and Houston Symphony Chorus, alongside soprano Ana María Martínez, mezzo-soprano Marina Prudenskaya, tenor Jonathan Tetelman, and bass Dmitry Belosselskiy. Following the performance, guests were transported to the Corinthian Houston for a spectacular seated dinner catered by Jackson and Company. Following dinner, guests enjoyed musical entertainment by the David Caceres Band.
THE STYLE: The Corinthian ballroom was donned with crystal chandeliers and greenery cascading across the balcony, all designed by The Events Company. The elegant tables that filled the room, covered in green linens, were topped with varying high and low-profile floral arrangements in shades of white and green.
Dinner began with an Italian butter lettuce salad with fresh herbs, gulf shrimp terrine, chives, and pickled mustard seed vinaigrette topped with a toasted chickpea crouton and three radish slaw. The main course included a gremolata and breadcrumb crusted black cod, with charred leek and artichoke white wine emulsion, alongside summer squash and white corn rösti, and Romano beans and button chanterelle sauté. Accompanying the meal were wine pairings provided by Spec’s Wine, Spirits, & Finer Foods. After dinner, the dessert was a trio that included coconut sorbet verrine, tiramisu profiteroles, and hazelnut macaroons.
THE PURPOSE: The annual Houston Symphony Opening Night concert and gala, chaired by Drs. Susan and Dennis Carlyle, celebrated the opening of the 2022–2023 season and the tenure of Juraj Valčuha as the Houston Symphony’s 16th music director and holder of the Roy and Lillie Cullen Chair. This year’s event raised more than $540,000 for the orchestra’s industry-leading Education and Community Engagement initiatives. ConocoPhillips served as the Concert Sponsor and Lead Gala Corporate Underwriter for the 36th year.
by societytexas | Aug 31, 2022 | R.S.V.P. HOUSTON, 2022 September October, Parties
Hermann Park Conservancy Raises Funds For Green Spaces
By Jennifer Roosth Photography by Priscilla Dickson
THE SETTING: Due to the ongoing Covid-19 safety measures, this year’s Evening in The Park event for Hermann Park Conservancy looked a little different than in the past. To make up for lost time due to the prior gala’s cancellation, instead of dinner, dancing, and the program under one big tent at the Molly Ann Smith Plaza, the event was socially distanced and progressive. The dinner was served in tented pods placed along the Mary Gibbs and Jesse H. Jones Reflection Pool.
THE STYLE: Guests were welcomed with cocktails while they perused photographs on view in Lindsey Plaza. Then, to add an element of fun, many guests opted to take the Hermann Park Railroad from Lindsey Plaza to the Molly Ann Smith Plaza, passing through the beautiful native plants and grounds of the upcoming Commons site. Upon arrival at the Plaza, Conservancy board chair Kristy Bradshaw spoke about the Conservancy’s endeavors including play spaces, natural habitats and plantings, public art installations, gathering areas, and the McWilliams Dog Park. The dog park was the focus of this year’s gala celebration and one of the most requested features by the community. Dinner was then served, and each party headed to their respective pod to enjoy a meal created by City Kitchen. Then, tunes were provided by DJ Mav at the Pioneer Obelisk as guests danced the night away to celebrate an Evening in the Park’s two years in the making.
THE PURPOSE: Event co-chairs Jo and Jim Furr, along with Roslyn Bazzelle Mitchell and Derrick Mitchell, worked tirelessly to ensure guests had an entertaining and safe night. This year’s event surpassed its goal and raised $650,000 for the care and improvement of Hermann Park. Thanks to the generous $1 million gift from Laura and Brad McWilliams, this year’s honorees, funds raised at the gala, and a slew of additional donations directed towards the dog park, the Conservancy is $100,000 shy of its $2 million capital campaign. The honoree of the prior canceled Evening in The Park event, Marley Lott, was also in attendance and recognized.
by societytexas | 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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