Houston’s Memorial Park Gets a Boost From the Ultimate Picnic Under the Stars: When Conservation is a Party

What: Memorial Park Conservancy‘s “Picnic for the Park”

Where: The Forest Club

PC Moment: The picnic, literally under the stars, drew close to 400 guests, who gathered to raise funds for the conservancy and to celebrate the second anniversary of managing and operating Memorial Park in partnership with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. Special focus was the Park’s Eastern Glades, the part of the Master Plan that is currently under way.

For the Country French themed evening , the Forest Club packed wicker picnic baskets with cheeses and charcuterie, brisket, fried shrimp and more. It was a bountiful feast the provided the energy for dancing to the after dinner spins of DJ Damon Pampolina.

Applause, applause for chairs Rosanna and Myron Blalock and Gayle and Richard Hightower and honorary chairs Terry and Tommy Smith for the evening that raised more than $357,000 for park programs. Emceed by Linda Lorelle, the evening honored Josh Solera, who was presented the Ima Hogg Volunteer of the Year award.

Who: Nancy and Butch Abendshein, Robin and John Wombwell, Janet and Paul Hobby, Shellye Arnold and Tina Sabuco, Laurie and Blake Liedtke,  Lisa and Downing Mears, Judy and Charles Tate, Bonner and George Ball, Karol and Paul Barnhart, Tammy and Steve Jenkins, Mayor Pro Tem Ellen Cohen, James and Rita Koski, Beth and Zet White, and Pam and John Breeding.