Spring Social

Evening in the Park fundraiser celebrates Houston’s urban oasis

As twilight settled over Hermann Park, Houston’s well-heeled park lovers traded valet lines for train tracks at Hermann Park Conservancy’s annual Evening in the Park on April 30. The al fresco fête drew approximately 475 guests to Molly Ann Smith Plaza for a night in support of one of the city’s most treasured green spaces.

Guests arrived in breezy spring evening attire before boarding the Hermann Park Railroad at Lindsey Plaza, a detail that year after year sets the tone for the night: whimsical, nostalgic, and distinctly Houston.

The evening honored Kristy and Chris Bradshaw for their longtime dedication to Hermann Park Conservancy, while co-chairs Meredith Marshall and Rishma Mohamed orchestrated a celebration centered on community and civic pride.

“For us, Hermann Park is Houston’s park,” said Kristy Bradshaw. “On any given day, you see all walks of life, all demographics, all cultures, all ages enjoying all the beautiful amenities of our Park. It’s Houston’s diversity at its finest. The last 15 years that I’ve been on the board have been absolutely incredible. We’ve imagined and executed our most ambitious goals, and I’ve been lucky to work with some of the smartest, most inspiring, humble leaders across Houston and Hermann Park.”

Over dinner by Swift + Company, board chair Roslyn Bazzelle Mitchell reflected on the Park’s unique ability to unite Houstonians across neighborhoods and backgrounds. Conservancy president and CEO Cara Lambright closed the program with a look ahead at what she described as a transformative chapter for the Park.

Guests gravitated toward personalized sweets from Cannolis by Mike before the dance floor beside the Obelisk filled with partygoers lingering well into the evening.

The conservancy raised $825,000 for the park’s ongoing stewardship and future improvements.

Enjoying the Park after dark were Kenneth Allen, Fady Armanious and Bill Baldwin, John Bishop, Kathryn and Travis Boeker, Janet Clark, Isabel David, Paula and Reginald DesRoches, Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, Cece and Mack Fowler, Kevin Foyle, Ann Kennedy and Geoffrey Walker, Marley Lott, Derrick Mitchell, Akbar Mohamed, Tai and Cory Quarles, Monica and Brad Radoff, Julian Ramirez, Tom Ramsey, Allison and Troy Thacker, Gwendolyn Tillotson-Bell, Stephanie and Frank Tsuru, Phoebe and Bobby Tudor, Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees, and Meg and Dick Weekley.

Photo by Johnny Than

Brigitte Kalai, Alicia Smith, and Donae Chramosta.

fundraisers galas parks hermann park hermann park conservancy

Hats and Hearts

Houston charity races ahead with stylish Derby-day fundraiser

Bo's Place Kentucky Derby fundraiser 2026

Photo by Wilson Parrish

Elia Gabbannelli, Michelle Torino, and Kim Scheffler.

Consider this Houston’s annual parade of fascinators, florals, and fast horses.

Photo by Wilson Parrish

Elia Gabbannelli, Michelle Torino, and Kim Scheffler.

The 10th annual Hats, Hearts and Horseshoes delivered all the Derby-day drama short of a photo finish courtesy of more than 350 guests who gathered at The Revaire on May 2 for Bo’s Place’s milestone celebration.

Chairs Libby and Mattison May, alongside Shelby and Matthew Seligmann, led the fête with a roster of honorary chairs that read like a who’s who of Houston philanthropy scene.

Guests lingered around the ice bar sponsored by Lowenberg Law Firm, sipping Le Chemin du Roi Brut Champagne from Sire Spirits — yes, the one associated with 50 Cent — while keeping one eye on the growing auction action.

Bo’s Place executive director Lisa Iparrea presented the Champion of Hope Award to the National Charity League Heart of Texas Chapter, accepted by chapter president Julie Gibson. The afternoon also took a heartfelt turn when Shelby Seligmann shared reflections on her family’s grief journey following the loss of her sister.

Emcee and auctioneer Johnny Bravo kept the crowd energized through live and silent auctions, heads-or-tails competitions, and cheers erupting from every corner once the Kentucky Derby finally began. When surprise winner Golden Tempo crossed the finish line, one lucky racing wall participant trotted home with a Houston Texans package courtesy of Hannah and Cal McNair.

The event raised $330,000 to support Bo’s Place and its grief support programs for children, families, and adults navigating loss.

On the scene were Jennifer Allison, Jennifer Brown, Tiffany and Brian Burgher, Elia Gabbannelli, Mari and Bryan Glass, Lauren and Rob Gray, Laura Laux, Julia and Harvin Lawhon, Debbie Leder and Bruce Orr, Kirby and David Lodholz, Gwyn Richardson, Cindy Seligmann and John Knox, David Shine, Tracy and John McNath, Daphne Savva, Elizabeth Martin, Gretchen Gilliam and George Lane, Suzie Johnson, and Nina and Clint Rand.

fundraisers bo's place