Houston’s Own Legendary Stage and TV Star Makes This Golden Night Unforgettable — Even the Mayor Cannot Resist Debbie Allen

What a night it was. Houston Arts Alliance knows how to party and what a party turned celebration it was Saturday when the nonprofit rejoiced in two decades of  strengthening the Bayou City’s creative ecosystem through public/private partnerships with a “Gilded & Golden” gala theme.

The fundraiser at the Thompson Hotel rocked with many attendees dressing in the dazzling golden attire. Celebrity honoree Debbie Allen dazzled with her presence, the recently crowned Miss America and Houston native Regan Hutsell welcomed everyone, and Urban Soul Dance Company and its founder Harrison Guy brought the entertainment.

The significance of the evening, which honored the celebrated Houston native Allen, was brought home when Mayor John Whitmire noted to the gathering that he could have been at 100 other events this night, but he chose this fab soirèe as his perch.

Surely there could not have been a more energized fundraiser than this one? Chaired by Leigh Smith and Shawn Stephens, it earned more than $600,00 in gross revenues for the Houston Arts Alliance. The nonprofit administers city-funded arts grants and commissions; cares for the City of Houston’s Civic Art Collection; and operates one of the nation’s only year-round arts resilience and recovery programs, helping the creative sector stay resourced and resilient.

Highlight of the evening was the Urban Soul Dance Company performance salute to Allen, who received the Golden Trailblazer Award. A tribute, which after the dance presentations in her honor, bought the star to tears. Young stars shined too.

As a six-time Emmy Award winner and two-time Tony Award winner with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the 76-year-old Debbie Allen brought true star power to the fundraiser.

The program included an impressive spoken-word performance from youthful Houston poet Bella Kalra, whose work grew through Writers in the Schools (WITS), which is supported by HAA. Her poem earned the young high school talent a standing ovation from the crowd in the packed, sold-out ballroom.

“Saturday night was joyful, moving and full of the energy that makes Houston’s creative community so special,” Houston Arts Alliance CEO Taylor Jackson says.  “As we honored Debbie Allen and H-E-B and reflected on 20 years of Houston Arts Alliance, I kept thinking about the artists and communities we have the privilege of serving. And the many people who made this celebration possible. I’m deeply grateful to our staff, board, sponsors and supporters for helping us mark this milestone and invest in what comes next.”

Also receiving honors was H-E-B, recognized as Community Legacy Honoree, represented on this night by Winell Herron, the Texas grocery chain’s senior vice president of public affairs.

The spirited live auction of artworks contributed by artists — including Dixie Friend Gay, Robert Hodge, Roslyn M. Dupré and others — pumped up the evening’s excitement. Among those purchasing art in the auction were Lisa Rich and John McLaughlin.

“The Gilded & Golden Gala was a beautiful celebration of Houston’s creative community and the local artists the Houston Arts Alliance champions,” Rich says. “The beautiful dance tribute honoring Debbie Allen was a highlight. We had such a wonderful time and were fortunate to take away a few auction pieces to add to our collection.”

The program concluded with Houston singing talent Kam Franklin‘s performance of  “Fame,” honoring Allen’s iconic role as Lydia Grant in the television series.

PC Seen: Events committee chair Lauren Anderson, HAA board chair board chair Sergio Selvera, emcee Rita Garcia, Jim Jordan, Reggie Smith, Lester Smith, Michele Leal and George Farah, Melanie Lawson and John Guess, Kelly Frye and Nick Campbell, Argentina James, DeAnn and Michael Carr, and Veronica Hutchinson.