When it comes to throwing a party with panache, Asia Society Texas knows how to deliver. The highly anticipated Tiger Ball 2025 on Friday, March 7 transported Houston A-listers, mostly clad in radiant red, to an opulent Shanghai-inspired milieu, setting a new fundraising record. Those $1.73 million? That surely will come in handy to bolster the organization’s cultural offerings.

  

Photo by Johnny Than

Pitsami Norm, Mandy Kao, Rose Chen, Aliza Dutt, Alice Mao Brams, Brigitte Kalai, Shaobo Du, Tammy Su, Susan Boggio, and Stephanie Chang.

With 600 elegant guests stepping into a sea of red and gold splendor at the Asia Society Texas Center and its transformed gala pavilion, the night paid tribute to two of Houston’s most respected global citizens — Y. Ping Sun and David Leebron. Their leadership has strengthened the city’s international connections, making them a fitting pair to honor at an event that celebrates cross-cultural exchange.

Applause to ball chairs Shawn Stephens and Jim Jordan and Michelle and Rishi Varma, alongside honorary chairs Nancy C. Allen, Anne and Albert Chao, and Margaret Alkek Williams.

Board chair Marty Goossen praised the honorees for their unwavering commitment to fostering understanding and friendship. Bonna Kol, alongside Stephens and Jordan, presented Sun and Leebron with a stunning Auratic fine bone porcelain tea set with 24K gold accents, a symbolic nod to their dedication to global connection.

A Shanghai Dreamscape in Houston

As guests arrived for the main event, a vibrant lineup of Hanfu performers and the rhythmic beats of traditional drummers welcomed them to the pavilion.

Inside the tented pavilion — a posh extension of the Asia Society Texas Center’s grounds — the magic continued. Designed by Prashe Décor, the space shimmered in rich crimson and gold, with suspended lanterns, lush red bougainvillea, and flowing drapery enveloping guests in a vision straight from an old-world tearoom.

A silent auction tempted bidders with a Harry Winston Midnight Monochrome timepiece, a five-night Telluride retreat, Paris Fashion Week tickets, and a private tour of The Met’s Japanese art collection. Dinner, presented by City Kitchen, continued the indulgence with five-spice roasted duck, pan-seared sea bass with XO sauce, and scallion-braised fava beans.

Dancing the Night Away

With dinner plates cleared and desserts enjoyed, the dance floor called. DJ Alx of Karma DJs kept the energy boisterous as revelers celebrated a night of cultural immersion.

Notable attendees included Shiang Ling and George Yang, who will be honored at next year’s Tiger Ball on March 6, 2026. Among the 600 guests were Durga and Sushila Agrawal, Leslie and Brad Bucher, Gracie and Bob Cavnar, Theresa and Peter Chang, China and Roberto Contreras, Molly and James Crownover, Jay Cuclis, Donna Fujimoto Cole, Aimee and Craig DiTomasso, Lily and Charles Foster, Kathy Gondo, Kathy and Marty Goossen, Marie and Vijay Goradia, Dr. Mikki Hebl and David Harvey, Mohsin Imtiaz, Renu and Suresh Khator, Kelley and Steve Lubanko, Sabria and Kevin Lewis, Sultana Mangalji, Petra Martinez, Gordon Quan, Sue and Randy Sim, Leigh and Reggie Smith, Anne-Laure and Steve Stephens, Phoebe and Bobby Tudor, Stephanie and Frank Tsuru, and Shiang Ling and George Yang.