Houston’s Beloved Nutcracker Market Raises an Astounding $1.2 Million In Just Its Preview Night — Holiday Shopping Hits Overdrive
A Wicked Twist Adds to the Cheer
BY Shelby Hodge // 11.19.24
The Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market at Reliant Center welcomed more than 4,000 ticket holders to the Wells Fargo Preview Party
Holiday cheer raised the roof of NRG Center with 4,078 enthusiasts crossing the turnstiles in support of the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market Wells Fargo Preview Party. It was a roaring start to the following three days of mega shopping with ticket sales from this preview event alone raising an astounding $1.2 million.
For this very merry evening chairs Cecilia Campbell, Ann Graham and Blair Kessler tapped Kirksey Gregg and his team to provide the holiday-inspired decor which was seriously enhanced by the booths of the 270 merchants.
On this high-ticket night, guests supped on gourmet bites and sweet treats while swaying to the festive tunes of the David Caceres Orchestra. But the real focus was shopping, shopping, shopping as witnessed by the overflowing Nutcracker tote bags.
All made for a splendid night for Nutcracker Market chairs Megan Kessler and Tracey Williford, who held leadership roles for the fundraising events the following two days.
The Saks Fifth Avenue Luncheon and Fashion Show
This was chairs Ileana Treviño‘s and Beth Zdeblick‘s several hours of fame as 1,470 lunching ladies and gents, shoppers one and all, poured into a second floor hall of the center raising more than $451,000. Saks Fifth Avenue Heidi Turney oversaw her store’s presentation of party-ready fashions from Sachin & Babi, the designing duo in Houston for the event.
The event honored longtime Houston Ballet patron Sharon Erskine, who has been a Houston Ballet Trustee since 2004, is a former Nutcracker Market chair and has been a Nutcracker Market Committee member for more than 20 years.
Gift Guide
KHOU’s Great Day Houston host Deborah Duncan, serving as emcee, entertained guests with her singing prowess and her playful freestyle personality.
Macy’s Fashion Show and Luncheon
Once again, the upstairs hall at NRG Center was packed to the max with 1,470 guests, who helped raise $373,350. KPRC news anchor Amy Davis emceed the event chaired by Michelle Barrett, Sarah Davidson and Michelle Jeffery and honored Cheryl Zane.
This playful fashion presentation included vibrant ensembles from Macy’s Disney collection, the vignette accompanied by Mickey Mouse who danced down the catwalk to “Hey, Mickey!” A tribute to Wicked added to the fun with models showcasing their best Glinda and Elphaba-inspired looks to the musical’s quintessential tune, “Defying Gravity.”
The Nutcracker Market Bottom Line
In addition to ticket sales, 11 percent of merchant sales are also committed to going towards supporting Houston Ballet, its Academy and scholarships. The final tally is still being totaled. However, since its founding in 1981, Houston’s Nutcrakcer Market has raised more than $90.5 million for the ballet’s coffers.
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