A “Greatest Show on Earth”-themed gala honored the 50th anniversary of the Society for the Performing Arts (SPA). Event chairs Stephany Olsen LeGrand and Curt Karges, and Janet and Bill Swanstrom, along with honorary chairs, Katherine and Paul Murphy, and Sharon and Tim Taylor, welcomed 400 guests to the Wortham Theater Center.
The evening started with cocktails and appetizers while attendees perused a silent auction with items from autographed sports memorabilia to a trip to France.
The ballroom, transformed into a whimsical circus by Rebekah Johnson/Bergner and Johnson Design, featured a big top backdrop behind the stage, stilt walkers in circus attire, and a jaw-dropping performance by Blue Lapis aerial dance company.
Guests were also treated to a special look back at the iconic performances of SPA’s five-decade legacy, a gourmet dinner by Jackson and Co., and entertainment by cover band, Skyrocket.
The gala, which honored Marc and Brenda Watts for their dedication to SPA and contributions to the arts community, raised a record-breaking $600,000 for the arts organization. The nonprofit’s mission is to present top global artists and performances to Houston audiences, and expand its education and community engagement programs.
Celebrating SPA’s golden anniversary were Lynn Wyatt, Phoebe and Bobby Tudor, Steve Trauber, Nancy and Chuck Davidson, Elizabeth and Tim Vail, Beverly and Jim Postl, Ginni and Richard Mithoff, Melanie Gray and Mark Wawro, Linda and Willie Chiang, Janiece Longoria and Steve Lasher, and Claudia and David Hatcher.
Stephany LeGrand Olsen, Curt Carges.
