What: The 2020 Buffalo Bayou Partnership Picnic
Where: The Water Works at Buffalo Bayou Park
The scoop: More than 200 Houstonians gathered locally and virtually to toast the beloved Buffalo Bayou Park’s fifth anniversary at an elegant picnic. Guests enjoyed a socially distanced, intimate, and elegant picnic al fresco replete with picnic baskets by A Fare Extraordinaire and garden lights beaming under the stars. Music came courtesy of the jazzy José-Miguel Yamal Phase One.
Bergner & Johnson provided the outdoor setting with colorful wildflower centerpieces. Jo’s Mini Mobile Bar served up the event’s signature cocktail, a blood orange margarita dubbed “Buffalo Rita.”
Mayor Sylvester Turner praised BBP and awarded Anne Olson a proclamation announcing the day as Anne Olson Day. The proclamation celebrated Anne’s 25-year anniversary as BBP president and recognized her leadership of Buffalo Bayou Partnership and commitment to making Houston a greener and greater city. Nancy and Rich Kinder, who could not attend,were also recognized for their contributions towards BBP and the enhancement of Buffalo Bayou.
Meanwhile, attendees were treated to a performance by ROCO to showcase the orchestra’s musical scavenger hunt, currently installed throughout Buffalo Bayou Park through the end of the year. The special piece that was originally written for the heroes of Harvey, Anthony DiLorenzo’s “Anthem of Hope: Houston Strong” was recently recommissioned to celebrate our frontline COVID workers.
The evening, chaired by Winifred and Carleton Riser and Leslie and Shannon Sasser, raised nearly $350,000 for Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s (BBP) operating support and will allow the non-profit organization to continue revitalizing, maintaining, and activating Buffalo Bayou.
Who: Sis and Hasty Johnson, Gaynell Floyd Drexler, Lisa Helfman and Lee Haverman, Kelly and John Mooz, Alisha Nathoo, Bo Fraga, Gayle and Bob Eury, Wendy and Shawn Cloonan, Anne Whitlock and Michael Skelly, Geraldina Wise, and Mike Garver.
A picnic under the stars.
