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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.

    John Weinzierl, Kelli Weinzierl, Shawn Stephens Jordan, Jim Jordan.

    Houston, HMNS Big Bang Ball, March 2017, John Weinzierl, Kelli Weinzierl, Shawn Stephens Jordan, Jim Jordan
      
    Photo by Priscilla Dickson
    John Weinzierl, Kelli Weinzierl, Shawn Stephens Jordan, Jim Jordan.
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    Stage With Purpose

    Broadway stars and Houston youth shine at Covenant House Texas gala

    Joel Luks
    Jun 11, 2025 | 2:00 pm
    Covenant House Night of Broadway Stars gala 2025
    Photo by Katy Anderson
    Rayshun LaMar performed "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours."

    The curtain rose, and so did hearts, as Night of Broadway Stars lit up the Wortham Theater Center, merging musical razzle-dazzle with a mission rooted in compassion. Benefiting Covenant House Texas, the evening offered both Broadway brilliance and deeply personal testimony in support of youth experiencing homelessness.

    The stage sparkled with talent flown in from New York, including Houston’s own Kevin Cahoon, who returned to his hometown to perform “Maybe Love” from Shucked. Josh Young brought heat with “Heaven on Their Minds” from Jesus Christ Superstar, Brook Wood belted “Save Me,” and Rayshun LaMar had guests dancing in their seats to “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours.” Rita Harvey teamed up with Young for a romantic rendition of “Come What May” from Moulin Rouge.

    But the real headliners were the Covenant House youth, who joined the Broadway pros onstage.

    Their performances were acts of courage, resilience, and transformation. During the seated dinner in the Wortham’s grand foyer, guests were visibly moved as the youth shared their journeys using signs that contrasted their lives before and after Covenant House.

    A key fundraising feature — Scholarships of Hope — invited attendees to fund holistic care for the youth, including shelter, meals, mental health services, and career development.

    The evening was chaired by April and Wells McGee and Flo McGee and Wade Upton, and honored the Hamill Foundation for its longstanding support. Incoming Covenant House Texas CEO Anthony Flynn took the mic to share his personal connection to the cause, his own experience with housing instability, and his excitement for the organization’s future.

    Seen on the scene were Heidi and Todd Binet, Cheryl Boblitt King and Bill King, Kurt and Marlene Nondorf, Randy Walker, Elaine and Robert Shaffer, Patti and Tom Turner, Amy Pierce, Joe and Cathy Cleary, and Barbara Strobel and George Bement.

    Covenant House Night of Broadway Stars gala 2025
      

    Photo by Katy Anderson

    Rayshun LaMar performed "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours."

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