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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.

    Karl Stern, from left, Betty Newton, Ann Stern and Stephen Newton.

      
    Photo by © Michelle Watson CatchLightGroup.com
    Karl Stern, from left, Betty Newton, Ann Stern and Stephen Newton.
    unspecified
    news/society

    Chic in Overdrive

    Fast lane fashion fuels $1.1 million for Houston's Salvation Army

    Joel Luks
    May 13, 2025 | 1:30 pm
    Salvation Army Fashion in the Fast Lane 2025
    Photo by Jenny Antill
    Gaby Valencia, Thamer Kay McGee, Payton Wallace, Logan Tafelski, and Helen Winchell.

    Fashion took the fast track to fabulous as more than 400 stylish Houstonians zipped into River Oaks Country Club for the 21st anniversary of the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary's beloved fundraising event. Themed Fashion in the Fast Lane, this sold-out soiree celebrated the sweet spot where timeless style meets high-speed flair, all while raising $1.1 million for community programs.

    Spearheaded by chair Ann Ayre, the day revved up with a bustling shopping experience and a lively luncheon.

    The theme perfectly captured the dual spirit of elegance and momentum, with a nod to both haute couture and horsepower. Fashionistas buzzed over racks laden with treasures at the Chic Boutique, masterminded by co-chairs Alison Gemp and Melanie Jarrell, while the Chic Boutique Showroom, curated by co-chairs Stick Delaup and Maura Montgomery, showcased designer dreams from Valentino to Chanel, Oscar de la Renta to Loewe.

    Donae Chramosta, this year's fashion chair, ensured every hanger and handbag sparkled with style cred, while silent auction chair Jean Peck kept bids racing faster than a Formula 1 finish line. From Cinq A Sept dresses to Alice and Olivia separates, attendees were spoiled with choices that blended luxury with philanthropy.

    The event also honored a driving force in Houston’s charitable scene: Hannah McNair, VP of the Houston Texans Foundation. A dedicated community champion, McNair has helped steer initiatives like the Girls Flag Football Program, expanding opportunities for young athletes across the city. Her philanthropic engine runs deep. After all, her mother-in-law, Janice McNair, was the 2014 honoree, making Hannah's moment in the spotlight a full-circle celebration.

    Following the luncheon, guests enjoyed exclusive early access to the Chic Boutique Showroom's four-day fashion extravaganza, where "pre-loved" designer gems waited for new closets to call home. Shopping never felt so righteous.

    Among those spotted cruising the stylish scene were Major Robert Webb, Major Carolynn Webb, Lt. Colonel Ann Penhale, Cal McNair, Sippi Khurana, Brigitte Kalai, Sidney Faust, Jane Wise, Cherie Lindley, Jeanie Kilroy Wilson, Melissa Sandefer, Jana Arnoldly, Ginger Blanton, Susan Binney, Roslyn Bazzelle Mitchell, Maria Moncada Alaoui, Kaleta Blaffer Johnson, Sandra Smith-Cooper, Joanna Marks, Cynthia Petrello, Amanda Boffone, Jennifer Allison, Tena Lundquist Faust, Tama Lundquist, Maureen Higdon, Joan Johnson, Stacey Lindseth, Kathryn Smith, and Elizabeth Abraham Colombowala.

    Salvation Army Fashion in the Fast Lane 2025
      

    Photo by Jenny Antill

    Gaby Valencia, Thamer Kay McGee, Payton Wallace, Logan Tafelski, and Helen Winchell.

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