Holiday 2016: On Location
Welcome back for round two! Here's your intimate behind-the-scenes look at the sophomore issue of the most exciting new magazine in Houston.
Nov. 21, 2016
Bun B performing
MFAH’s annual Grand Gala Ball, with Van Cleef & Arpels ballyhooed as underwriter, “drew more than 425 guests, entering through a tent adorned with hot pink drapery, and a gold chandelier,” said a museum rep. “Upon entering the cocktail space, a diamond shaped bar greeted guests, flanked by works by Andy Warhol.” The Warhols and urbane vibe underscored the “Icons” theme, as championed by chairs Nicole and Evan H. Katz.
Baroque crystal chandeliers, black acrylic tables, a huge movie screen showing clips of Texas-made movies, and a racy mix of red- and pink-hued florals lent to the sexy-than-the-average-gala vibe. Dinner included, to start, a cold poached lobster with baby arugula, shaved fennel, olives, toasted pistachio and grilled artichoke salad; beef tenderloin accompanied by a savory leek-wrapped bread pudding made a sophisticated, hearty entrée. For dessert: an old-fashioned pecan ball with chocolate sauce, an iconic Houston favorite to be sure.
Entertainment for the affair was varied and at times stirring. LA-based Brandon Wattz crooned love songs and jazzy pop numbers throughout a dinner. A dashingly tuxedo’d Bun B took to the mic afterward, giving guests a surprise hip-hop show. Mr. Bun’s Trill Burgers also took over a museum terrace, with cooks grilling up delicious smash burgers for a raved-over midnight snack!
Per usual, a who’s-who of city society and top philanthropists showed up to support MFAH, including Nancy and Rich Kinder, Susan Sarofim, Joan Weingarten Schnitzer, Rose Cullen, Lynn Wyatt, Margaret Alkek Williams, Anne and Albert Chao, Phoebe and Bobby Tudor, Dan Zimmerman, Whitney and Jim Crane, Tony and Cynthia Petrello, Ron Franklin and Janet Gurwitch.
Franci Neely, Margaret Alkek Williams, Phoebe Tudor
Nancy and Rich Kinder
Andrew and Mona Sarofim
Richard Flowers, Lynn Wyatt, Angel Rios
Anne and Albert Chao
Gary Tinterow and Christopher Gardner
Bun B and Queenie with chairs Nicole and Evan Katz
Laura Stokes with a Trill Burger
Jonathan and Lily Schnitzer
Amy Doherty and Alexandra Butt
Bun B performs at the 2023 Grand Gala Ball
Trill Burgers at the gala
The cocktail area
From Your Site Articles
- Two New Exhibitions Coming to the MFAH This Fall Will Provide Fresh Perspectives on the Works of O’Keeffe, Picasso and Calder ›
- Sprawling New MFAH Show Illustrates the History of Transatlantic Slave Trade ›
- With Custom Tapestries and Jeweled Archways, MFAH Transforms Into Indian Palace for Glam Gala ›
- MFAH’s Kinder Building Hosts First Gala — and It Was Truly ‘Grand’ ›
- Life and Legacy of Big-Time Benefactor Celebrated at MFAH’s Grand Gala Ball ›
- From Paris with Love: Inside MFAH's $1.2 Mil Grand Gala Ball ›
- Children’s Museum Supporters Go Goth-Glam at Million-Dollar Gala - Houston CityBook ›
- MFAH Celebrates 100 Years and $5.5 Million in Donations at ’20s-Themed Grand Gala Ball - Houston CityBook ›
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Paige Baird, MacKenzie Shimek, Katie Harris, Danielle Herhdon, and Tiffanie Reina
Nearly 150 stylish guests hit the high-end boutique for festive fashion inspo, DJ tunes, a photo booth, pics with Santa, and makeup artistry by Trish McEvoy cosmetics. Creative cocktails courtesy of Bosscat Kitchen and Libations — plus plenty of wine — warmed up the crowd from the inside out, and BGCGH "Junior Youth of the Year" Brielle gave remarks about how the organization has transformed her life.
In addition to ticket sales and a portion of proceeds from Tootsies purchases, the nonprofit benefited from the sale of raffle tickets for three different prize bundles.
Abby King, Laura Starks, Tiffanie Reina, Chris Reina, and Ryan Quinn
Vanessa Baird, Sylvia Little, and Carol Wooton
Santa and Fady Armanious
BGCGH President & CEO Kevin Hattery
Brielle Omiwade and Page Parkes Model
Courthey Bass, Tiffanie Reina, Jamie Rozell, and Stacy Pierce
Paige Baird and Katie Tsuru
David Chandler, Gwyn Richardson, and Randy Garcia
Emily Trainer and Suzanne Armour
Haley Millis and Lana Taylor
Karen Hill and Cathy While
Kelly Rainbolt and Lauren McGowen
Kim Raschke and Jordan Elton
Natalie Ariz and Michelle Moore
Michelle Young and Victoria Keller
