Ballet Building Officially Named in Honor of Margaret Alkek Williams at Downtown Fete

Wilson Parish
Ballet Building Officially Named in Honor of Margaret Alkek Williams at Downtown Fete

Jim Nelson, Margaret Alkek Williams and Stanton Welch

IT'S OFFICIAL! THE Downtown Houston building that houses Houston Ballet has been named the Margaret Alkek Williams Center for Dance building, and a group of Williams’ friends and Ballet faithful gathered there to celebrate.


The Houston Ballet announced in May that Williams, perhaps the Houston cultural scene’s more generous patron, had made a $10 million legacy gift to the company. “This philanthropic commitment was directed to the Houston Ballet Endowment and provides unrestricted support to maintain the Ballet’s home and ensure the Houston Ballet’s mission to inspire a lasting love of dance flourish in permanence,” noted a Ballet rep.

“In honor of Margaret Alkek Williams’ legendary devotion to the Houston Ballet, the home of the Houston Ballet, standing six stories tall at the entrance of downtown Houston, was named the Margaret Alkek Williams Center for Dance.”

About 80 guests turned up to mark the occasion and honor Williams in the building’s lobby, decorated with florals in the grand dame’s favorite shades of pink and purple. “To be able to do this for the Houston Ballet means so much to me,” said Margaret Alkek Williams. “I am honored that you are all here to celebrate with me, and I thank you for joining me in supporting the Ballet.”

Kelley Lubanko and Jo Furr

Phoebe Tudor, Ileana Treviño and Leigh Smith

Mark Grace and Alex Blair

Danny Ward and Nancy Ames

Duyen Nguyen, Sunday Shepherd and Martha Finger

Bill Stubbs, David Wuthrich and John Mangum

Chase Untermeyer, Peggy Smith, Diana Untermeyer and Ashley Smith

Margaret Alkek Williams and the Margaret Alkek Williams Center for Dance

Mignon Gill, Kristy Bradshaw and Ann Graham

Jim Daniel and Hallie Vanderhider

Art+Culture
Fall Philanthropy Report: March of Dimes’ ‘Signature Chefs’ Event Coming in November

What year was your organization launched? 1938

What is your mission? March of Dimes was founded in 1938 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, to combat polio. The name “March of Dimes” was suggested by entertainer Eddie Cantor as a way to encourage people to donate even a small amount, like a dime, to help fight polio.

Keep Reading Show less

Chef-owner Austin Waiter of The Marigold Club, now serving fried chicken and Champagne on Sunday nights.


IF YOUR SUNDAY nights could use a little sparkle—and a lot of fried chicken—The Marigold Club has just the thing. Starting May 25 at 5pm, the Montrose hotspot known for its playful mix of Southern charm and London polish is rolling out a new weekly tradition: Fried Chicken & Champagne Sundays.

This isn’t your average comfort food situation. We're talking a shareable fried chicken dinner for two, made with farm-raised birds from Deeply Rooted Ranch, and served alongside buttery whipped potatoes, minted peas, aged cheddar scones, and some over-the-top sauces — including a foie gras sauce supreme that’s as extra as it sounds.

Keep Reading Show less
Food

Palmaïa The House of AïA

THIS FALL, LEBRINA Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, is taking her wisdom and joie de wellness to the jungle. Far beyond the walls of her beautiful spa, she’s aiming to create a quiet space for people to work on their personal growth in a community-centric atmosphere. She shares what participants will get out of the trip and why it’s important to take time for self-care in 2025.

Why is it important for people to “retreat”? Life can feel like a non-stop marathon, and sometimes we forget to just... breathe. Retreating offers a chance to step off the treadmill for a bit and hit the reset button. It's about giving your body and mind some much-needed TLC, allowing for genuine relaxation and rejuvenation. Beyond the personal perks, retreats often create a cool sense of community, connecting you with others on a similar path. By carving out space for self-reflection, you can recharge and return to your daily life with a clearer head and a bit more pep in your step.

Keep Reading Show less
Wellness+Giving Back