The
Yao Ming Foundation and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, united for a
lavish gala to help rebuild Hurricane Ike–ravaged playgrounds while
celebrating the MFAH’s Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Arts of China
Gallery, unveiling later this year. Oriental enthusiasts:
Chairman Yao Ming and wife Ye Li, the MFAH’s Frances and Peter Marzio,
Elyse and Bob Lanier, iTalk CEO Jack Zhao, TV chef Ming Tsai (who
demonstrated his recipe for Peking duck) and the museum’s Asian art
curator Christine Starkman.
Asia
Society Texas Center’s Tiger Ball bestowed its Roy M. Huffington Award
upon Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. Aussie and Asian admirers:
Kim Beazley, Australia’s United States ambassador, who accepted the
award on Rudd’s behalf; Margaret Williams;
Asia Society Texas chairman Charles Foster and executive director
Martha Blackwelder; honorary consul general of Australia Nana Booker;
Mayor Annise Parker; Phillip Scanlan; and honorary chairmen Robin and J.
Michael Yeager.