Showcase Downtown Houston Park Throws a $1.2 Million Party, Setting the Stage for a Dramatic Transformation
Swirling Pinwheels, High Flyers and Black-Tie Elegance Collide in One Unforgettable Evening
BY Shelby Hodge // 02.26.19NAACH Houston Bollywood dancers perform at Discovery Green's Gala on the Green (Photo by Jenny Antill Clifton)
Every other year downtown’s Discovery Green sheds its play clothes mode and dons an ambience of black-tie elegance for the biennial “Gala on the Green.” And so it was Saturday night when more than 400 guests disembarked at the oak-shrouded Brown Foundation Promenade for launch of the evening that would see $1.2 million added to park coffers.
The soirée glided on a kinetic energy that began with the array of 2,000 swirling pinwheels in the GUST installation along the promenade, continued with the aerialist swinging overhead on the veranda where cocktails were served and inside the party tent where park entertainers of past years assembled to engage diners.
The nonstop entertainment included the DB Duo, a hand-balancing act; the Two Star Symphony performing all original music; NAACH Houston, a Bollywood-inspired dance company; the Allen Oldies Band playing popular golden oldies; and Archie Bell, who performed at the Discovery Green opening gala in 2008. Before the night was over, many among the 400 were on the dance floor, boogieing to Bombón, a collaboration of local DJs spinning the discs with percussionist Ilya Janos and emcee La Comadre Mel.
Gala chairs Zane and Brady Carruth along with Discovery Green Conservancy board chair Roxann Neumann paid tribute to the individuals, corporations and foundations that have supported the park since its founding. Neumann shared plans for park enhancements including a new playground, an improved northwest corner and updated lighting throughout the park. (For more on the $12 million Discovery Green makeover plan, read the complete PaperCity exclusive.)
PC Seen: Emcee Dominique Sachse, Discovery Green president/park director Barry Mandel and Scott Sawyer, Nick Florescu, Tim Neumann, Nancy and Rich Kinder, Margaret Alkek Williams, Anne and Charles Duncan, David Wuthrich, Andrea and Bill White, Lainie Gordron and David Mincberg, Saundria Chase Gray and Jerome Gray, Soraya and Scott McClelland, Polly and Jeff Whittle, Elaine and Marvy Finger, Jackie Martin, Pam George, Marilyn Oshman, and Jerry Martin.
Elizabeth Anthony
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