Photos by Samantha Jane Beatty
Styling by Todd Ramos
Model Jerry Raines for Neal Hamil Agency
Grooming by Briana Dai
Photography assistance by John Lewis
Styling assistance by Tyler Treadwell
Shot on location at The Barn at Four Pines Ranch in Crosby
Jason and Megan Ryan, Kelly and David Rose
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
David Kem and Judith Raines, Michele Malloy, and Lori Gallagher
The Center toasted its 20th, or "emerald," anniversary, so naturally, chairs Judith Raines and Dave Kem selected beautiful hues of green to adorn the ballroom for the occasion. Here, nearly 300 supporters raised more than $330,000, which will go to the Center's study abroad opportunities and student scholarships. The Consul General of Ireland, Robert Hull, was the guest of honor.
The evening included a gourmet dinner and an all-in-good-fun "roast and toast" of former UST Board Chair Michele Malloy, a champion of Irish studies and culture, followed by a live auction with items like a luxury cruise from Dublin to London. There was also a performance by the Clann Kelly Dancers from the Clann Kelly School of Irish Dance in Houston.
UST's William J. Flynn Center for Irish Studies is a top-10 Irish Studies program, and is named for the former chairman of Mutual of America Life Insurance Company in honor of his outstanding contributions to the Northern Ireland Peace Process.
Peggy and Hugh Idstein
Michele Malloy, David Harvey, and Gloria Portela
Raye White and Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro
Consul General of Ireland Robert Hull
Angie and Michael Marcon, Melynda and Richard Ludwick, Jeffrey and Kiki Carroll
Lisa Malosky
Madelyn and George Farris
Curtis Huff and Bob Corrigan