In the Press

The Photos We’ll Remember

After three years of limited partying and muted charitable fundraising in Houston, exuberance returned in 2022 as did ballgowns, multi-million dollar fundraising galas and dreamy party decorations. It was a year of financial record setting. The Menil Collection returned with its once every five-year gala to raise a record $2.1 million while records were set with the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston earning $2.37 million, Houston Zoo’s 100th anniversary gala closing out the night with a record $2.3 million, the Orange Show pulling in $1.1 million, Crime Stoppers bringing in $1.35 million and much much more.

A review of photos from society fundraising events across Houston in 2022, reveal a rich variety of parties based around raising funds for the underserved in the arenas of education, health care, the arts and the homeless. Lest you feel inclined to criticize the colorful exhibition of philanthropy, keep in mind that the money spent on these events provides income for valet parkers, caterers, waitstaff, floral designers, event designers, hair stylists and retail sales people. Not to mention those intended to benefit from the largesse of all involved.

Now, it’s time to take look back at some of the spectacular moments of Houston fundraising and celebrating in 2023. These are Houston’s Best 2022 Party Scenes:

The celebration of the 100th anniversary of Houston Zoo was a blockbuster. Held on zoo grounds, it raising a record $2.3 million for zoo animals as well as the zoo’s widely applauded conservation programs.

Pet Set chairs Tena Lundquist Faust, Sue Smith and Tama Lundquist led the annual “Fierce & Fabulous” gala to a $1.1 million windfall, a heady take in no small part due to the presence of Yellowstone stars Cole Hauser and Forrie J. Smith.

Lucullan feasts and visits to homes with museum quality art punctuated the three-day fundraiser in Los Angeles for the American and International Friends of the Louvre, chaired by Becca Cason Thrash.

The Museum of Fine Arts Houston’s Grand Gala Ball, honoring the legacy of the late Fayez Sarofim, provided the rare opportunity for a photo of all four of the billionaire’s children and their spouses/significant others.

Lucky were the guests invited to ZT Corporate Chairman’s Ball for which John Legend provided a dreamy concert of his most popular hits.

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