It was a perfect night for pulling out the furs on Saturday, not particularly perfect for an outdoor cocktail reception. Nevertheless, the black-tie throng of 450 genially toasted Discovery Green while mingling beneath the 100-year-old oaks along the Brown Foundation Promenade.
The biennial "Gala on the Green" evening began al fresco before the action moved into a party tent that was so beautifully decorated in vines and green LED lighting that one could have easily mistaken the tent interiors for a lush orangerie, decor by A Memorable Event. And with Tony's catering serving the masterful dinner, one couldn't help but have visions of the legendary Tavern on the Green.
Applause, applause for gala chairs Randa Duncan Williams and Ileana and Michael Trevino, who shepherded the evening to $991,000 in proceeds. The largesse of supporters was due in no small part to the honorees — much-admired philanthropist Anne Duncan and prominent civic leader John Nau, Silver Eagle Distributors president and CEO.
The divinely brief program, emceed by KPRC Channel 2 news anchor Dominique Sachse, included remarks by Discovery Green board chair Larry Faulkner and presentation of the awards by Discovery Green president Barry Mandel.
Queuing up for the sounds of Professor D party band were guests including Nancy and Rich Kinder, Donna and Tony Vallone, Saundria and Jerome Gray, Roxanne and Tim Neumann, Nick Florescu, Margaret Alkek Williams, David Wuthrich, Mary and Oscar Sciola, Susanne Theis, Isabel and Danny David, Zane and Brady Carruth and Katie and Pat Oxford.
Discovery Green 'Gala on the Green' chairs Randa Duncan Williams, Michael Trevino and Ileana Trevino.
