Remember the last time you sang "Happy Trails?" For Mayor Annise Parker and a boatload of Buffalo Bayou supporters, it was Thursday night when they crooned along with a Roy Rogers recording.

With Buffalo Bayou Partnership board chair Chuck Carlberg leading the gathering of more than 600 in the familiar refrain, it was a fitting ending to the casual fundraiser that took place in a fancied-up party tent on the Sabine Street Bridge. While the attire ("ranch dressing or business casual") and mood might have been laid-back, serious money was raised — a record of more than $400,000. That was $80,000 above goal.

Perhaps it was the honorees — Bob Eury, president of Central Houston Inc. and the Downtown Management District, and Sonny Flores, past president of the Greater East End Management District — that inspired such generosity. They were recognized for their collaboration with the partnership in developing hike and bike trails from downtown to the East End. Or perhaps it was the continuing improvements along the bayou and the plans for beautification from the bridge west to Shepherd Street that captured the loose change in some very large pocketbooks. And certainly it was the influence of the chairs — developer Ed Wulfe and wife Lorraine Wulfe.

Whatever the case, it was an upbeat night that began with cocktails along the Sabine Promenade where boat outings along the bayou were offered. As the crowd moved to the party tent, it was clear that the movers and shakers were in attendance.

Nancy and Rich Kinder, major donors to the evening and major supporters of the current bayou improvements, held center court with Mayor Parker and her partner, Kathy Hubbard, in seats of honor along with Guy Hagstette, who heads the Sabine-Shepherd improvement program. Rounding out the Kinders table were the Convention & Entertainment Facilities' Sharon Adams and Silver Eagle Distributors exec Roxann Neumann and attorney Tim Neumann.

Happy campers enjoying the magnificent view of the downtown skyline were Judy Nyquist, Peter Brown, Terry Hershey, Bobbie Nau, Soraya and Scott McClelland, Elaine and Marvy Finger, Dancie and Jim Ware and so many others.

Highlight of the night for many was getting a look-see at the new Buffalo Bayou tour boat.