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    The Big Bang Ball

    Dinner with a Tyrannosaurus, indoor fireworks, 'rocket fuel' power The Big Bang Ball

    Marcy de Luna
    Mar 9, 2017 | 8:52 am

    From indoor fireworks to private access to museum exhibits and a dinner with a Tyrannosaurus, it was a thrill-a-minute at the Houston Museum of Natural Science’s black-tie gala.

    The electrifying evening, themed “The Big Bang Ball,” captivated the 500 guests in attendance from the start as several giant sparklers, lined along the hallway from the entrance of the Cockrell Butterfly Center to the museum’s Grand Hall, shot off dazzling white flames. The eye-catching spectacle, along with the decor in a color scheme of pink, turquoise and purple, was created by Kirksey Gregg Productions.

    Making sure no one went thirsty, servers presented “rocket fuel,” a.k.a. lemon-flavored shots in test tubes, and smokin’ hot pink martinis mixed with liquid nitrogen, made by The Freezing Point.

    Just beyond the Grand Hall was a silent auction with several unique items showcased in glass cases. At first glance, it was mistaken by many as an exhibit.

    Jewelry, artwork, and gems, including a sensational orange sapphire from Sri Lanka, were up for bid. But it was the three large, jeweled-encrusted insects designed by Matthew Campbell Laurenza that were all the buzz. Valued between $165,000 to $295,000 apiece, each of the three insects, complete with moving parts, featured more than 1,000 carats of gemstones.

    The auction layout ended at the entrance of the world-renowned Mummies of the World exhibit, open to gala guests for touring with cocktails in-hand. As if the night wasn’t already a smashing time.

    When the dinner bell rang, the crowd made their way to their tables, positioned throughout the museum, from the Frensley/Graham Hall of African Wildlife to the dinosaur-clad Morian Hall of Paleontology, where a drool-worthy steak dinner and grand chocolate dessert by City Kitchen was served.

    Capping off the evening, the party moved back into the Grand Hall for late-night snacks, including “nitro” macarons on-a-stick, also by The Freezing Point, and free-flowing cocktails. Lively tunes, from disco to rock, performed by Houston show band, Infinite Groove, kept the night going until well past midnight.

    Chaired by Shawn Stephens and Jim Jordan, along with Kelli and John Weinzierl, the cosmic celebration raised over $850,000 in support of Houston Museum of Natural Science’s educational programs, benefiting school children in Houston and beyond.

    Also seen in the crowd were Laurie and Reed Morian, Amy and Gentry Lee, Wally Wilson and Jeanie Kilroy Wilson, Stephanie and Ernie Cockrell, Susanne and Bill Pritchard, Kelly and Bill Montgomery, Kathy and Peter Huddleston, Cynthia and Tony Petrello, Kim and Dan Tutcher, Bobbie Nau, Stuart Rosenberg, Monica and Fox Benton, Carolyn and Garry Tanner, Melinda and Sam Stubbs, Kelley and Steve Lubanko, Lainie Gordon and David Mincberg, and Houston Museum of Natural Science president Joel Bartsch and his wife Susanne.

    Fireworks at the Big Bang Ball.

    Houston, HMNS Big Bang Ball, March 2017, fireworks
      
    Photo by Priscilla Dickson
    Fireworks at the Big Bang Ball.
    fundraisers
    news/society

    Party Watch

    Rock painting and ninja runs charm guests at Houston hospital's benefit

    Joel Luks
    Jun 23, 2025 | 3:00 pm
    Texas Children’s Hospital Family Fun Day 2025
    Photo by Jenny Antill
    Chita Craft with daughter and friends.

    What: Ambassadors for Texas Children’s Hospital Family Fun Day

    Texas Children\u2019s Hospital Family Fun Day 2025
      

    Photo by Jenny Antill

    Chita Craft with daughter and friends.

    Where: Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

    The Scoop: The Houston Arboretum transformed into a nostalgic summer escape for the 15th annual Family Fun Day hosted by the Ambassadors for Texas Children’s Hospital. Dubbed “Camp Ambassador,” the affair drew more than 450 guests for an afternoon that channeled sleepaway camp vibes — with none of the homesickness.

    Chairs Brooke and Scott Hutson welcomed families to a playful forest wonderland brimming with pony rides, ninja course antics, and whimsical mohawk makeovers. Craft stations kept creativity flowing with rain stick-making and rock painting, the latter doubling as a heartfelt gesture — painted stones will soon brighten the hospital’s interfaith chapel, offering young patients a bit of camp spirit indoors.

    Dr. Benjamin Ho, the hospital’s newest concierge medicine doc, handed out play bandages to campers of all ages, proving that even in make-believe, compassion counts. Meanwhile, families refueled on camp-themed comfort eats like waffle fries, firewood franks, fruit kabobs, and cake cones that felt straight out of a mess hall dream.

    Proceeds supported Texas Children’s Nursing Talent, Innovation and Education, a program empowering new nurses with hands-on tools to navigate the challenges of clinical care.

    Who: Ellen and James Bookout, Jen and Ben Fink, Cindy and Les Fox, Julie and Patrick Gimlett, Laura and Dan Gollins, Nina and Clint Rand, Carolyn and Jake Sabat, Ellen and Andrew Sheedy, Tym and Charlene Tymbar, Shea Henry and Jeffry Yoesel, Dr. Natalie and Andrew Walton, Rachael and Jason Volz, and Currie Rice.

    news/society
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