Stars and Scholars

Boyz II Men light up KIPP’s $1 million Houston celebration

Houston’s skyline wasn’t the only thing sparkling on Friday, April 11.

Photo by Johnny Than

Jason P. Wells and Jenny Koehler.

Inside the Post Oak Hotel at Uptown, more than 600 guests gathered for the 24th Annual KIPP Texas-Houston Benefit, where inspiration, nostalgia, and a few mic drops shared the spotlight. The evening was a masterclass in heart and harmony, ultimately raising more than $1 million to fuel the dreams of Houston’s future leaders.

The evening unfolded like a perfectly written song thanks to chairs Melissa DeMontrond, Bryon Johnson, and Susan and Chris Dray. The soirée began with moving student spotlights that underscored the impact of KIPP Texas-Houston’s work across the city. Cheers rang out for this year’s KIPP Heroes: Karen Arnold, a beloved community leader, and Renu Khator, the president of the University of Houston, both honored for their commitment to education and community empowerment.

As dinner plates cleared and anticipation grew, the ballroom’s energy shifted from inspiration to pure nostalgia when Rick J. Perez introduced the evening’s main event. Boyz II Men — those masters of swoon-worthy harmonies — took the stage, instantly transporting the crowd back to high school dances and cassette tape rewinds.

Hits like “End of the Road” and the still-irresistible “Motownphilly” had guests singing along, waving cell phones overhead in a sea of lights. For a few magical hours, it was 1992 again, minus the questionable fashion choices.

KIPP Texas CEO Sehba Ali captured the spirit of the evening in her remarks, calling it “an evening of joy, unity, and impact.

Making it truly “One Sweet Day” were Anita and Alan Ying, Sydney Ying, Nick Mears, Colleen Amling, Tonia Whilden, Lorena Gomez, Jessica Gomez, Christian D. Menefee, Jason P. Wells and Jenny Koehler, Jeremy Alvarado and Jeremy Kriska, Dr. Lacy Johnson and Josh Okun, Karla and Tim Cisneros, Natalia Dikmen, Kiki Dikmen, John Sullivan, Margaret and Matthew Haddad, Matthew Arnold, John Arnold, Misty and Dr. Surena Matin, Jovanny Orellana, Allison and Troy Thacker, Cary Wright and Nick Ferrer, Donald Bowers, Bridget and Thomas Hoffman, Brett Ashley Barth, Alexis Argeroplos, Jeanette and Bill Bush, and Simon and Linda Eyles.

fundraisers kipp texas

Picnic Chic

Houston toasts nature and leadership at Memorial Park’s annual gala

Photo by Jenny Antil

Chris Ballard, Nancy and Rich Kinder, and Shellye Arnold.

There are gala nights and then there are nights when the trees themselves seem to raise a glass.

On a picture-perfect evening in April, nearly 350 supporters of Memorial Park Conservancy gathered beneath the native canopy of the Clay Family Eastern Glades for The Park Ball, an annual celebration of one of Houston’s greatest natural treasures.

Helping to orchestrate the evening’s blend of elegance and ecology was a roster of event chairs: Julie and Casey Doherty, Betsy and John Garibaldi, Gayle and Richard Hightower, Tammy and Steven Jenkins, Linda Lorelle and Lou Gregory, Gary Moss, Amy and Adam Newar, Carrie and Al Pepi, Carol and John Porter, and Anita and Gerald Smith.

This year’s theme, picnic-chic, was a love letter to the land, a heartfelt homage to the winding trails, sprawling green spaces, and sun-dappled prairies that define Memorial Park’s 1,100 acres. It was also a moment to reflect and to cheer as guests honored Shellye Arnold for more than a decade of leadership and welcomed Chris Ballard as the Conservancy’s newly named president and CEO.

It was springtime, elevated, and distinctly Houston.

Under Shellye Arnold’s guidance, Memorial Park transformed from a beloved local green space into a nationally recognized model of urban parkland — balancing ecological restoration with accessibility and beauty. Her departure was bittersweet, but the love in the air was undeniable. A proclamation from Houston City Councilmember Abbie Kamin officially declared April 10 as Shellye Arnold Day, applauding her tireless work in cultivating a park that serves both people and planet.

The evening flourished with the smooth sounds of the David Caceres Jazz Quintet, whose melodies floated through the canopy as guests strolled the illuminated paths or lingered beneath chandeliers that seemed to twinkle in time.

The night was also a fundraiser, of course — and a successful one. The Park Ball brought in a cool $750,000, every dollar of which will support the everyday magic of Memorial Park: Maintaining the native prairie grasses, protecting wildlife habitats, and ensuring this urban oasis remains a place of escape and exploration for generations of Houstonians.

In the crowd were Chris and Aubrey Ballard, Nancy and Rich Kinder, Veronica Chapa Gorczynski and John Gorczynski, Giles and Andrea Kibbe, Roxann and Tim Neumann, Rogene Gee Calvert, Emily Clay and Bill Schneidau, Kalinda Campbell, Kevin Foyle, Lissa and Farzanah Gangjee, Lisa Helfman, Elizabeth and Tom Howley, George Johnston and Jaime Loera, Chris Newport, Annise Parker, and Dhiren and Anila Shethia.

Photo by Jenny Antil

Chris Ballard, Nancy and Rich Kinder, and Shellye Arnold.

memorial park fundraisers