Jet-Setters Unite for Euro-Savvy Soiree Benefiting Lone Star Flight Museum

Daniel Ortiz
Jet-Setters Unite for Euro-Savvy Soiree Benefiting Lone Star Flight Museum

Jason and Megan Ryan, Kelly and David Rose

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

Parties
Timeless Appeal at The Village: Sophisticated Retirement Living

THE STANDARD BEARER FOR LUXURY

We built The Village communities to exemplify sophisticated retirement living in Houston, surrounded by the heritage neighborhood of River Oaks, Tanglewood and Southampton. Each offers impeccable designer finishes and Aspenwood service detail with dining and resortstyle amenities making them premier locations for discerning Houstonians and their families. Impressive, spacious residential floor plans, generous natural light, and expansive terraces allow a new level of indoor-outdoor living. Beautiful spaces are designed for entertaining, fitness, and relaxation with a dedicated team to provide a secure lock and leave lifestyle for our members.

Keep Reading Show less

Ally Shell and Martijn van Koolwijk

BLAME IT ON the Moon! Mercury Chamber Orchestra’s 2025 gala at the Thompson hotel — themed “Moonlight Serenade and chaired by Ally Shell and Martijn Van Koolwijk — was a night of glamour and big band vibes, raising more than $350,000 for the company.

Keep Reading Show less
Art+Culture

Glenda and Russell Gordy and Alicia and Garrett Gordy (photo by Wilson Parish)

EVEN AS RODEO season winds down, the party people at the Stage Houston theater company were still donning boots and shouting yahoo — and taking in a record haul of $1.4 million!

Keep Reading Show less