the ball is a rockin'

Houston Symphony scores $1.1M in lively and rockin' (yes, rockin') ball

The line was heard more than a few times in the ballroom of Tilman Fertitta’s Post Oak Hotel: “This symphony ball is rockin’!”

Indeed, one might not ordinarily equate “rockin’” and “Houston Symphony,” but the symphony’s recent event, dubbed the 2022 Symphony Ball: The Symphony World in Harmony, was anything but ordinary. Nor was the final tally: the ball raised $1.1 million for the symphony’s education and community engagement initiatives.

Despite chilly temps, Houstonians dazzled in grand gowns and formalwear. Nearly 350 packed the silent auctions and snapped pics and selfies amid stunning floral arrangements courtesy of Richard Flowers.

Then, it was off to the ball, with a presentation of the 2022 Symphony Ball honorees: Margaret Alkek Williams, recipient of the Lifetime of Philanthropy Award; Janet F. Clark, recipient of the Ima Hogg Philanthropy Award; and John Mangum, recipient of the Raphael Fliegel Award for Visionary Leadership. Houston society mainstays and event chairs Cheryl Byington, Bull Stubbs, and Beth Wolff welcomed guests and got the evening started.

A gourmet multi-course dinner by the hotel’s executive chef Jean-Luc Royere — with wine pairings selected by Lindy and John Rydman of Spec’s — won praise, a highlight was the chocolate mousse encased in an edible chocolate piano.

Speaking of piano, multi-instrumentalist Dave Bennet used his as a stool as he did his best Jerry Lee Lewis impression and wowed the crowd with his rockin’ quartet. The dance floor quickly filled as Bennett and company brought the house done; a perfect leadoff to veteran rocker Sammy Hagar.

Hagar, who flew in as a favor to the symphony, strummed up an acoustic performance with his longtime guitarist Vic Johnson. (Rumor had it Fertitta stayed late to dine with Hagar after the show.)

A hot night indeed on a brisk January night, one that spells exciting times as Houston returns to society season.

Seen at the ball: Margaret Alkek Williams, Scott Mclelland, Alex and Reagan Bregman, John Mangum, Brigitte Kalai, Heather Almond, Carrie Brandsberg-Dahl and many, many more.

John and Regina Mangum.

Houston Symphony Ball 2022 John Regina Mangum

Photo by Wilson Parish

John and Regina Mangum.

Sky’s The Limit

Hot air balloons lift spirits at Houston mental health nonprofit's gala

Photo by Dave Rossman

Co-chairs Will and Caroline Brown; Virginia and Cramer Williams.

With dreamy hot air balloons drifting overhead and a mission firmly grounded in impact, Communities In Schools of Houston’s Soaring to New Heights Gala lifted off at The Post Oak Hotel on April 9. More than 550 guests gathered for an evening that paired playful elegance with a powerful purpose: Raising $603,000 to support local students navigating real-world challenges both inside and outside the classroom.

Photo by Dave Rossman

Co-chairs Will and Caroline Brown; Virginia and Cramer Williams.

Co-chaired by Caroline and Will Brown and Virginia and Cramer Williams, the evening honored longtime Communities In Schools champion Jan Redford, whose 46-year commitment to the organization was celebrated with warmth and gratitude. Guests began with a spirited cocktail hour before moving into the grand ballroom for dinner and a program emceed by Lisa Malosky.

The mood was celebratory, but the message was clear: Communities In Schools is a lifeline for students. CEO Lisa Descant emphasized the organization’s impact across 135 campuses and its role as the largest provider of school-based mental health services in Harris County, reaching more than 143,000 students each year.

Special guest Linda Gale White, former First Lady of Texas and a steadfast Communities In Schools supporter, was on hand, as was Joseph Patty of Chapelwood United Methodist Church, who offered a blessing.

The program featured moving testimonials from staff and students. Mandy Kolbaba, Madison Wimmer, Alma Nava, Melody Hall, and Julia Barnwell-Joseph shared stories of academic triumphs, emotional resilience, and transformational support. Standout moments included Marisabel, once homeless and now college-bound for psychology, and Joshua, a Lone Star College graduate heading to UH with an eye on politics.

Funds raised will help the organization continue surrounding students with the community and care they need to thrive in school and beyond.

Present were Omar Reid, Bob Gower, Judy Tate, Margot Cater, Bill Kroger, Pat Rosenberg, Cody Biller, Jennifer Espey, Allison Gower, Maynard Holt, Suzie Johnson, Deanna Jones, Cathy Malone, Cassie Milam, Jill Ramshaw, Brian Salazar, David Sambrooks, Suzanne Stiles, William Walker, Elizabeth Young, Diana and Russell Hawkins, Terri Lacy and Jim Baird, Ginny and L.E. Simmons, Sue White, and many more.

communities in schools fundraisers