FOR ITS ANNUAL gala, the Lone Star Flight Museum turned into a chic destination inspired by Monte Carlo. The aviation and STEM education center welcomed more than 500 guests for the Jet Setters Ball, which soared to new heights this year by raising more than $600,000.
Inside the hangar, French Riviera-esque flowers and decor set the scene for a seated dinner, wine pull and "big board" auction. There was also an exciting live auction with tickets to sporting events like the NCAA Final Four and the U.S. Open, and a moving video tribute to the late Bob Waltrip, whose passion for air travel led him to found the Lone Star Flight Museum in 1985.
Galagoers enjoyed tunes courtesy of DJ Druw along with exclusive tours of flight and space-shuttle simulators. And the museum's CEO Doug Owens spoke about the institution's achievements and upcoming exhibits. "The generosity of the Houston philanthropic community and their ongoing support enable us to continue this work and inspire future aviators and STEM professionals. Mr. Waltrip would be so proud,” he said.
Joel Lucks and Carey Kirkpatrick
Phil Laughlin, Lori Spilde, Veronica Foley, Aaron Foley, Holly Waltrip, Mandi Patel, Brad Bangen, Kristin Collins, and Brandan Huff
Candy and Lonnie Schiller
Chasta Martin, Ryane Jackson, Kameron Brackins
Event décor by The Events Co. transported guests to Monte Carlo
Megan and Jason Ryan with Kelly and David Rose
Meryl Dominguez of the Houston Grand Opera Butler Studio serenading guests during the event
Holly Waltrip and Mike Long
Blair Waltrip and Braddock Brossa
April Fabre, Jason Fabre, Jenny Koehler, Jason Wells, Chasta Martin, Megan Ryan, and Jason Ryan
Guests practicing their flying skills in the museum’s educational flight simulators
John and LeAnne Storrie with Tomorrow and Chad Thumann
Jackie Pope, Velda Britt, Sharon Owens, Anthony W. Hall, Jr., Al Tervelon, Harry Johnson, Sr.
Coy Lewis and Carol Katrana
Robin Cloyd and Everett Gibson
Mindy and Josh Davidson
Monica Karuturi and Kumaran Sathyamoorthy
Pete and Nancy Olson
Sue McCollow and Rob Parrish
Steve and Carla Strake
Catherine Waltrip-Lesch and Kaitlin Waltrip-Howell
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