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    Magical Museum Ball

    Enchanted Grand Gala Ball soars to magical heights with shimmering trees; raises $1.6 million

    Shelby Hodge
    Oct 20, 2014 | 1:06 pm

    To completely mesmerize more than 300 of the city's most sophisticated philanthropists is no easy task. But the kinetic energy and graceful beauty of Jennifer Steinkamp's flowering trees light installations in the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston enchanted absolutely everyone attending Saturday night's Grand Gala Ball.

    Six of the life-sized, 3D shimmering trees lined the perimeter of the museum's Cullinan Hall, where every 11 minutes the lifelike images ebbed and flowed through the four seasons. Employing these works of art as the focal point of the black-tie gala was the genius of ball chair Frances Marzio, who convinced the artist to loan the museum five of her Mike Kelley Projections to join the Mike Kelly 14 that is in the MFAH's permanent collection. (Would that we had all six!)

    The evening's success of $1.6 million in proceeds was "made possible by the extraordinary efforts of our gallant chair Frances Marzio."

    "How many times in Houston have we been able to experience all four seasons in a single night?" posed Marzio. (See the video below.)

    Indeed, from museum patrons Michelle and Frank Hevrdejs to Sara and Bill Morgan and Janice and Bob McNair, the response to the installations was universal. Magnificent, hypnotizing, fantastic — the praise ran throughout the night as guests lifted their smart phones over and over again to capture the fascinating dance of the trees.

    "I've never seen anything like it," cooed Joanne King Herring. "It's the most magical thing I've ever seen."

    As the museum purposely scales back attendance at the gala, proceeds continue to rise for the evening that was as much intimate celebration as fundraising gala. And although Marzio was tapped as chair of the glamorous evening, the soirée was also a tribute to her personally.

    "This is always a special event for the patrons of the museum because it is the biggest social event of the year and our biggest fundraising event of the year," noted museum director Gary Tinterow. The evening's success of $1.6 million in proceeds, he said, "was made possible by the extraordinary efforts of our gallant chair Frances Marzio."

    He praised Marzio for 32 years of service to the museum not only as a curator but also as the wife of late MFAH director Peter Marzio. "They were equal partners in the effort that brought this museum to greatness."

    Museum board chairman Rich Kinder then led a toast to Marzio that included a heartfelt standing ovation from the gathering of 322.

    In Bloom created the orchid-infused centerpieces that reflected the four seasons while City Kitchen provided the equally magnificent dinner that also reflected the seasons — jumbo lump crabmeat appetizer, veal osso-bucco main course and a playful sorbet trio dessert complete with autumn leaf ginger snaps.

    The David Caceres Orchestra had the dance floor packed from the first strains and into the night as guests including Jeanie Kilroy Wilson and Wally Wilson, Sharyn and Jim Weaver, Diane Lokey Farb and Mark Sullivan and Anne and Karl Stern swirled across the museum floor.

    The stellar guest list included Nancy Kinder, Elise and Russell Joseph, Linda and Dr. Walter McReynolds, Lynn Wyatt, Bobbie and John Nau, Christopher Gardner, Phoebe and Bobby Tudor, Anne and Charles Duncan, Amy Purvis, Sue Trammell Whitfield, Delise Ward and Craig Lidji and Lori and Phillip Sarofim.

    Bobby and Phoebe Tudor.

      
    Photo by © Michelle Watson CatchLightGroup.com
    Bobby and Phoebe Tudor.
    unspecified
    news/society

    Stars and Scholars

    Boyz II Men light up KIPP’s $1 million Houston celebration

    Joel Luks
    Apr 29, 2025 | 3:31 pm
    KIPP Texas 2025 gala
    Photo by Johnny Than
    Boyz II Men: Wanya Morris, Nathan Morris, and Shawn Stockman.

    Houston’s skyline wasn’t the only thing sparkling on Friday, April 11.

    KIPP Texas 2025 gala
      

    Photo by Johnny Than

    Boyz II Men: Wanya Morris, Nathan Morris, and Shawn Stockman.

    Inside the Post Oak Hotel at Uptown, more than 600 guests gathered for the 24th Annual KIPP Texas-Houston Benefit, where inspiration, nostalgia, and a few mic drops shared the spotlight. The evening was a masterclass in heart and harmony, ultimately raising more than $1 million to fuel the dreams of Houston’s future leaders.

    The evening unfolded like a perfectly written song thanks to chairs Melissa DeMontrond, Bryon Johnson, and Susan and Chris Dray. The soirée began with moving student spotlights that underscored the impact of KIPP Texas-Houston’s work across the city. Cheers rang out for this year’s KIPP Heroes: Karen Arnold, a beloved community leader, and Renu Khator, the president of the University of Houston, both honored for their commitment to education and community empowerment.

    As dinner plates cleared and anticipation grew, the ballroom’s energy shifted from inspiration to pure nostalgia when Rick J. Perez introduced the evening’s main event. Boyz II Men — those masters of swoon-worthy harmonies — took the stage, instantly transporting the crowd back to high school dances and cassette tape rewinds.

    Hits like “End of the Road” and the still-irresistible “Motownphilly” had guests singing along, waving cell phones overhead in a sea of lights. For a few magical hours, it was 1992 again, minus the questionable fashion choices.

    KIPP Texas CEO Sehba Ali captured the spirit of the evening in her remarks, calling it “an evening of joy, unity, and impact.

    Making it truly “One Sweet Day” were Anita and Alan Ying, Sydney Ying, Nick Mears, Colleen Amling, Tonia Whilden, Lorena Gomez, Jessica Gomez, Christian D. Menefee, Jason P. Wells and Jenny Koehler, Jeremy Alvarado and Jeremy Kriska, Dr. Lacy Johnson and Josh Okun, Karla and Tim Cisneros, Natalia Dikmen, Kiki Dikmen, John Sullivan, Margaret and Matthew Haddad, Matthew Arnold, John Arnold, Misty and Dr. Surena Matin, Jovanny Orellana, Allison and Troy Thacker, Cary Wright and Nick Ferrer, Donald Bowers, Bridget and Thomas Hoffman, Brett Ashley Barth, Alexis Argeroplos, Jeanette and Bill Bush, and Simon and Linda Eyles.

    fundraiserskipp texas
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