Even as ominous clouds loomed above, Hermann Park shined brightly during Evening in the Park, Hermann Park Conservancy's signature gala held on Thursday, April 24. Crica 500 devoted supporters, decked in their spring cocktail finest, gathered at Molly Ann Smith Plaza to toast a landmark year: The first anniversary of the Family Commons, a vibrant 26-acre expansion redefining community connection in the historic park.

  

Photo by Jacob Powers

Co-chairs Travis and Kathryn Boeker; Katherine Whaley and Chris Wadley.

Guests kicked off the night at Lindsey Plaza, boarding the Hermann Park Railroad for a whimsical ride through the commons, where they encountered The Great Elephant Migration. This installation of nearly 100 life-sized elephant sculptures spread a message of conservation and coexistence.

As twilight settled, guests mingled beside the Pioneer Memorial Obelisk during a lively cocktail hour. With McGovern Lake mirroring the soft evening hues, old friends reunited and new connections blossomed over crisp hors d'oeuvres and refreshing sips.

This year's gala honored the Radoff family — Bunny Radoff, Russell and Jody Radoff, and Bradley and Monica Radoff — whose enduring commitment to Hermann Park has helped nourish its evolution as a sanctuary for all Houstonians. Event co-chairs Kathryn and Travis Boeker and Katherine Whaley and Chris Wadley crafted a night that balanced heartfelt reflection with festive celebration.

During dinner, conservancy board chair Roslyn Bazzelle Mitchell reminded the audience why their support matters.

"Hermann Park is where Houston comes together," she said. "We’re nurturing a sanctuary — a space where generations grow, connect, reflect, and celebrate."

The evening raised an impressive $690,000, securing crucial funding for the organization’s mission of stewardship and enhancement of this century-old green haven.

Amid the amicable garden party were Kenneth Allen, Fady Armanious and Bill Baldwin, John Bishop, Kristy Bradshaw, Janet Clark, Isabel David, Paula and Reginald DesRoches, Mac and Cece Fowler, Kevin Foyle, Lisa Helfman, Emily Keeton, Linda and George Kelly, Carey Kirkpatrick, Ann Kennedy and Geoffrey Walker, David Leebron and Y. Ping Sun, Marley Lott, Laura and Brad McWilliams, Tai and Cory Quarles, Allison and Troy Thacker, Stephanie and Frank Tsuru, Phoebe and Bobby Tudor, Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees, Claudia de Vasco and Gabriel Olson, Sally Anne Schmidt and Marc Tabolsk, and Nicole and Joey Romano.