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    The Big Bang Ball

    Dinner with a Tyrannosaurus, indoor fireworks, 'rocket fuel' power The Big Bang Ball

    Marcy de Luna
    Mar 9, 2017 | 8:52 am

    From indoor fireworks to private access to museum exhibits and a dinner with a Tyrannosaurus, it was a thrill-a-minute at the Houston Museum of Natural Science’s black-tie gala.

    The electrifying evening, themed “The Big Bang Ball,” captivated the 500 guests in attendance from the start as several giant sparklers, lined along the hallway from the entrance of the Cockrell Butterfly Center to the museum’s Grand Hall, shot off dazzling white flames. The eye-catching spectacle, along with the decor in a color scheme of pink, turquoise and purple, was created by Kirksey Gregg Productions.

    Making sure no one went thirsty, servers presented “rocket fuel,” a.k.a. lemon-flavored shots in test tubes, and smokin’ hot pink martinis mixed with liquid nitrogen, made by The Freezing Point.

    Just beyond the Grand Hall was a silent auction with several unique items showcased in glass cases. At first glance, it was mistaken by many as an exhibit.

    Jewelry, artwork, and gems, including a sensational orange sapphire from Sri Lanka, were up for bid. But it was the three large, jeweled-encrusted insects designed by Matthew Campbell Laurenza that were all the buzz. Valued between $165,000 to $295,000 apiece, each of the three insects, complete with moving parts, featured more than 1,000 carats of gemstones.

    The auction layout ended at the entrance of the world-renowned Mummies of the World exhibit, open to gala guests for touring with cocktails in-hand. As if the night wasn’t already a smashing time.

    When the dinner bell rang, the crowd made their way to their tables, positioned throughout the museum, from the Frensley/Graham Hall of African Wildlife to the dinosaur-clad Morian Hall of Paleontology, where a drool-worthy steak dinner and grand chocolate dessert by City Kitchen was served.

    Capping off the evening, the party moved back into the Grand Hall for late-night snacks, including “nitro” macarons on-a-stick, also by The Freezing Point, and free-flowing cocktails. Lively tunes, from disco to rock, performed by Houston show band, Infinite Groove, kept the night going until well past midnight.

    Chaired by Shawn Stephens and Jim Jordan, along with Kelli and John Weinzierl, the cosmic celebration raised over $850,000 in support of Houston Museum of Natural Science’s educational programs, benefiting school children in Houston and beyond.

    Also seen in the crowd were Laurie and Reed Morian, Amy and Gentry Lee, Wally Wilson and Jeanie Kilroy Wilson, Stephanie and Ernie Cockrell, Susanne and Bill Pritchard, Kelly and Bill Montgomery, Kathy and Peter Huddleston, Cynthia and Tony Petrello, Kim and Dan Tutcher, Bobbie Nau, Stuart Rosenberg, Monica and Fox Benton, Carolyn and Garry Tanner, Melinda and Sam Stubbs, Kelley and Steve Lubanko, Lainie Gordon and David Mincberg, and Houston Museum of Natural Science president Joel Bartsch and his wife Susanne.

    Kristen Kelly, BJ Walker.

    Houston, HMNS Big Bang Ball, March 2017, Kristen Kelly, BJ Walker
      
    Photo by Priscilla Dickson
    Kristen Kelly, BJ Walker.
    fundraisers
    news/society

    Sky’s The Limit

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

    Joel Luks
    May 27, 2025 | 10:32 am
    Communities in School gala 2025
    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.

    Communities in School gala 2025
      

    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.

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