As you can probably tell, we at CultureMap love our young professionals and applaud them for getting started on the path to philanthropy and community support at an early stage in their careers. This fall they are off to a roaring start in supporting everything from the arts to healthcare.
The season is packed with fun and informative gatherings among the city's burgeoning number of young professional groups and everyone is invited to join the organizations and then join the parties. Herewith, a look at a number of YP gatherings that you won't want to miss in the coming months.
The Ensemble Theatre's Act One Young Professionals, "A Nostalgic Night of Games," Saturday, September 12
In celebration of the group's fifth anniversary, Act One is partnering with Time2Play for a night of fun and games at the theater. Think games like Taboo and Sorry and social games like Twister, Simon Says and Wii Skiing.
Admission: $20. Details here.
The Houston Area Urban League's Young Professionals "Opulence Casino Night," Saturday, September 12
The Rice Mansion becomes casino royale when this lively group takes over for an evening of casino games and bingo complemented by a photo booth and raffle opportunities. Guests will also learn about HAUL's community work and ways to get involved.
Admission: $40 to $75. Details here.
KIPP PALS "Back to School Happy Hour," Thursday, September 17
More than 200 young professionals have already signed up for the blast that will take over Giulietta Sociale on Washington Avenue at 6 pm. KIPP teachers and organizers will be on hand to talk about ways of volunteering with the successful charter school program.
Admission free. Details here.
Houston Grand Opera's Opening Night (ON), Wednesday and Thursday, September 23 and 24
ON joins forces with Houston Young Professionals for the Arts for back to back nights of social mixers following performances of HGO's world premiere of O Columbia. The performance and post-performance mixer take place at Revention Music Center, formerly Bayou Music Center.
Tickets: $20. Details here.
Alley Theatre's Scene Season Kick-Off Party, Friday, September 25
This two-act evening begins with cocktails and a tour of the newly renovated theater and continues with party time in the theater where renowned Underbelly will provide catering and A Fistful of Soul will deliver the dance tunes. Guests will be among the first to see the theater's spiffy facelift.
Tickets: $75 or $50 with a Scene membership. Details: here.
Houston Symphony Young Associates Council season kickoff, Wednesday, September 30
With Ting Bresnahan, Valerie Dieterich, Christine Falgout, Alexandra Gottschalk and Catherine Matthews hosting this mixer at Burberry in the Galleria, you can be assured that this will be one power-packed cocktail party. This is an invitation only event with young community leaders and upcoming philanthropists invited via the Houston Symphony.
Details: Darryl de Mello, 713-337-8529 or darryl.demello@houstonsymphony.org
The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation Young Professionals Group "Jungle Book Gala," Friday, October 16
Party animals with a bent toward literacy will find a wild time at this black-tie dinner and dancing evening taking place at the Houston Zoo's Jaguar Habitat. Organizers promise interaction with the big cats and dancing to a live band.
Tickets: $130. Information is available here.
Houston Ballet's Ballet Barre "Ballet & Bubbles" early evening, Thursday, October 22
This evening provides a sneak peek at the inner workings of Houston Ballet’s rehearsal and artistic process. Participants attend a private company rehearsal at Houston Ballet Center for Dance, followed by a Q&A with artistic director Stanton Welch. Champagne for all!
Admission complimentary for Ballet Barre members, $25 for guests. Information here.
Friends of St. Jude and Young Professionals in Energy "St. Jude Hope Benefit," Friday, October 23
The two YP groups join forces for the Old Hollywood glamour-filled evening replete with food, drink and dancing. The Royal Sonesta Houston is the party site.
Early bird tickets (purchase by October 19): $75, at the door: $100. Details here.
Memorial Park Conservancy Urban Wild's "Bridge Bash," Thursday, November 12
The park's Living Bridge really does come to life when young park supporters gather on the bridge for food, music and fun. Mark Salvie, Nikken Prabanto and Connor Walsh comprise the committee putting the finishing touches on this night under the stars.
Admission: Free for Urban Wild members, $50 for guests. Details: Averil Brannen, 713-863-8403 or abrannen@memorialparkconservancy.org.
Hermann Park Conservancy Urban Green annual fall bash, Thursday, November 19
This event is still in the planning stages but be assured that Urban Green knows how to throw a party. And this will likely be one that you won't want to miss.
Check later for details here.
Members and newcomers to the Alley Theatre's Scene young professional group set to party in the renovated Alley.
