Record-Breaking Tiger Ball

Golden dragons and glamorous gowns reflect Asian pride at record-breaking Tiger Ball

The understated yet noble architecture of Yoshio Taniguchi's Asia Society Texas Center provided a serene backdrop for the vivid tableau of cultural fashions and manners that defined Thursday night's record-breaking Tiger Ball.

Despite the soggy weather (umbrellas open) and a horrendous traffic jam, it appeared that all 700 in the sellout crowd made it to the party that raised a record of almost $1.3 million. The Enchanting China-themed evening began in the Chevron Gala Pavilion, a tented extravaganza decorated in hundreds of red lanterns that danced overhead while gilded dragons rising above the floor heralded the festivities to come.

The Chinese theme was carried out not only in decor and menu but also in the heritage of key figures in the evening. Lily Chen Foster, a native of Shanghai, and renowned immigration attorney Charles Fosterwere honored for their longtime commitment to the Asia Society. Charles Foster has been on board for decades, much of that as chairman. Couples tapped to chair the gala have Chinese roots as well — Y. Ping Sun and husband David Leebron, Rice University president, and Anne and Albert Chao, chairman of Westlake Chemical Corp.

The Chinese theme was carried out not only in decor and menu but also in the heritage of key figures in the evening.

As the chimes rang for dinner, the throng, many in colorful national dress, others in Chinese red, spread across the museum with every available space taken up by dinner tables. They dined on the stage in the auditorium, in the education center in the main foyer and beyond. They feasted on a China-inspired menu from City Kitchen.

The festive atmosphere had Asia Society executive director Bonna Kol and deputy director John Bradshaw Jr. beaming. Also in the spotlight was Chevron's Joni Baird, who waved her magic wand and provided the gala pavilion.

Following dinner it was back to the gala pavilion for a dessert extravaganza and dancing to the sounds of Punch Bowl. Among those partaking of the Enchanting China evening were Nancy Allen, Chinhui Juhn and Eddie Allen, Helen Nagge and Mel Chin, Molly and Jim Crownover, Phoebe and Bobby Tudor, Divya and Chris Brown, Sylvia and Gordon Quan, Leigh and Reggie Smith and Leslie and Brad Bucher.

Marianne and Bob Ivany, left, with Donna Cole.

Photo by © Morris Malakoff

Marianne and Bob Ivany, left, with Donna Cole.

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Music with Meaning

Emotional tributes and country tunes drive Houston gala's impact

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Kevin Gilliard and Frank Billingsley.

Forget the usual charity circuit humdrum — at this year’s Hope Gala, guests were treated to two things Houston never skimps on: heartfelt cause and honky-tonk flair.

Hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association at The Revaire, the April 24 soirée doubled as a feel-good fundraiser and a boots-up night out, complete with Texas country star Roger Creager crooning center stage and a room full of do-gooders in their gala best.

The evening was orchestrated by an executive and host committee including Tamara and Grant Johnson, Sarah and Robert Ray, and Kelli and John Weinzierl. The event began with a silent auction and cocktail reception — equal parts mingling and mission. While guests sipped and bid, a warm welcome from Frank Billingsley, co-host of Houston Public Media’s “Hello Houston,” ushered the crowd into an evening of reflection, recognition, and revelry.

One of the evening’s most powerful moments came as Don Baird received the Dr. Mark Kunik Volunteer of the Year award. Baird spoke of his wife Cheryl, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at age 58, and how that moment altered his life’s path. Rather than retire, he stepped into the role of full-time caregiver. Since joining the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Baird has raised more than $300,000 and become a guiding voice for others facing similar journeys.

Adding scientific insight and hope to the evening was Dr. Jim Ray, director of the Belfer Neurodegeneration Consortium, who shared the latest progress in Alzheimer’s research and innovation.

That theme took an emotional turn asCreager took the stage for a spirited set, performing in honor of Kenneth Love, the late father of Lianna Love Smithwick, who passed away from Alzheimer’s complications just a month before the gala. In total, the Hope Gala raised more than $460,000 thanks to the generosity of donors, including Presenting Sponsor The Ellwood Foundation, Musical Entertainment Underwriters Peggy and Avinash Ahuja, and The Whalley Foundation.

Spotted were Councilmember Sallie Alcorn and George Alcorn, Becky Baird, Tiffany and Brian Burgher, Heidi and Mark Davis, Dr. Chanel Johnson, Beth and John King, The Honorable Amy Peck and Dr. Jordan Fein, Liz Ray, Dayna Steele, Katie Scott, and Lee and Melanie Hightower.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Kevin Gilliard and Frank Billingsley.

fundraisers alzheimer's association