The angels. The devils. The Tin Man! The Children’s Museum of Houston gala showcased a cast of cool characters that ranged from spooky to sexy to silly, but all in good fun and keeping with a delightful theme of “A Wicked Affair.” (So much so, that some in black tie wondered if they were under-dressed.)
Event co-chairs Ashley and Walter Weathers (dressed as an enchanting witch and daring Dracula, respectively) and Lyndsey and Bret Zorich (she festooned in an scene-stealing Tinkerbell getup with LED light wings and he as Captain Hook) welcomed more than 500 guests into The Corinthian, which was transformed into a “spellbinding mansion,” replete with dangling candelabras, sinister owls, and sickly-twisted branches by Bergner and Johnson.
The Children’s Museum of Houston annual event draws some of Houston’s hottest young professionals and merry-makers who are ready to party — and spend. So, just how good was this naughty affair? The gala raised $1.1 million for the museum’s numerous programs.
After mingling and cocktails (such as black diamond margaritas made with Maestro Dobel Tequila) guests made their way to their tables, were they were treated to a delectable treat by Jackson & Co.; the menu included a variety of hors d’oeuvres like pork tenderloin croustade, shrimp sushi, barbecued duck confit, and more. The main course featured a coffee-crusted filet mignon with red wine sauce, accompanied by roasted purple potatoes.
Chocolate cake coffins (a table favorite) and glazed strawberry tarts provided a sweet finish. As the spirited group noshed, a lively auctioneer urged the crowd to bid on myriad enviable items, the show-stopper being a tiny, 12-week-old terrier puppy from Houston & Harris County Animal Volunteers, who stole the heart of bidder Annabel Massey.
Also up for grabs were dinner for 50 at First National Bank vault in the basement of the Corinthian (valued at over $18,000); a game from behind home plate at a Houston Astros 2020 season game; exotic travel packages to Antigua, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, and The Grenadines; a trip to a live taping of Wheel of Fortune; a “shop till you drop” trip to Neiman Marcus, and more.
Energized, the partiers hit the dance floor, serenaded by the Matt Wilson Band. Those who stayed late were treated to savory late-night bites and chocolate covered cookie party favors donated by The Chocolate Bar.
While the evening saw a playoff loss by the Houston Astros (we know how that turned out, yes?), the event was a big win for one of Houston’s most venerable houses of learning and enchantment.
The naughty and nice crowd included Amanda and Terry Boffone, Stacy Johnson, Jenny May, Melissa Sugulas, Hector Villarreal, Baye and Martin Tilson, Rachel and Tom Regan, Neekie and Amir Kashani, and a host of others. (Kudos to the event chairs and the Tin Man, better known as the tireless Henry Yau of the Children’s Museum of Houston.)
John Harrell and Caroline Harrell.
