Arboretum's 'Enchanted' Evening Raises Half a Mil for Houston's Urban Oasis

Arboretum's 'Enchanted' Evening Raises Half a Mil for Houston's Urban Oasis

Robert & Amy Urquhart with Annie & Spencer Kerr

DURING APRIL'S STREAK of beautiful, breezy spring weather, the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center hosted its annual alfresco fete for 400.


The "Enchanted Forest" evening included dinner and dancing under the stars, but kicked off at dusk with fine wine and views of the Arboretum's spring wildflowers. Clad in floral-inspired attire, the galagoers descended upon the Nature Center courtyard and lawn, greeted by chairs Annie and Spencer Kerr and Amy and Robert Urquhart.

The crowd applauded honorees Marilyn and Harry Kirk, longtime supporters of the Arboretum and its improvement projects over the years, as well as of conservation and nature education in general. After dinner and the silent auction, Infinite Groove took to the stage, and the party continued well into the night. In all, more than $500,000 was raised at this year's gala.

Jason, Meredith and Allyson Kinzel

Steve and Betty Newton and Andrea and Bill White

Bobbi & Jonathan Worbington

Sam & Mary Sommers Pyne

Charles Reynolds & Kelley Stair

Chris and Therese Odell

Nancy Greig and Debbie Markey

David & Katherine Andrew and Kent & Kristen Bayazitoglu

Megan & Joe Keefe

Jason and Stephanie Beauvais

Frank and Amanda Hauser

Marilyn & Harry Kirk

Leyton & Amy Woolf

Parties
Leadership in Action: ‘Setting Clear Goals’ Among Secrets of Success for Attorney Jess Bailey

How did you get to where you are today? A few key principles integrated into my life: setting clear goals, maintaining a growth mindset, building strong habits, and surrounding myself with the right people. Goals provided direction, while a growth mindset helped me turn challenges into opportunities for learning. Consistent habits, like disciplined work and effective communication, kept me moving forward. Being surrounded by motivated, supportive individuals has elevated my standards and kept me accountable. They’ve provided advice, encouragement, and sometimes that extra push I needed to stay on track. With these elements, I’ve been able to create a framework that helps me succeed and ensures I continue to grow and evolve.

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places

Lauren Anderson and Fady Armanious

EVER A GLAMOROUS event, the Houston Ballet's annual black-tie ball was a glimmering affair at the Wortham, where 500 guests joined event chairs Kristy and Chris Bradshaw and Melissa Juneau.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment

Gayla Gardner, Jacquie Baly and Julie Baker Finck

THE DOCTOR IS in! One of Houston’s most engaged civic leaders, Jacquie Baly, has a new title after earning her Doctorate in Education and Organizational Change & Leadership from USC. And some of the city’s heavy hitters turned up for a swanky reception at Tony’s to congratulate her. “Education and community leadership go hand in hand,” said Dr. Baly. “This honor fuels my continued mission to create meaningful change.”

And they weren’t alone in their admiration. Both the City of Houston and the State of Texas declared the day of the to-do “Dr. Jacquie Baly Day,” complete with official proclamations.

Keep Reading Show less
Style+Culture