Event Date: January 29, 2022
Location: The Post Oak at Uptown
Event: Gala
No. of Attendees: 350
Beneficiary: Houston Symphony
Chairpersons: Beth Wolff, Bill Stubbs and Cheryl Byington
Honorees: Margaret Alkek Williams, John Mangum and Janet F. Clark
Money Raised: $1,100,000
Décor: The Events Company
Photography: Wilson Parish and Priscilla Dickson
Houston Symphony Ball-“The Symphony World in Harmony”
The social and arts community were in total harmony at the recent Houston Symphony Ball, entitled “The Symphony World in Harmony,” which was held at The Post Oak at Uptown. Chaired by real estate queen Beth Wolff, interior designer Bill Stubbs and social stalwart Cheryl Byington and honoring Symphony CEO John Mangum and celebrated philanthropists Margaret Alkek Williams and Janet Clark, this annual gala and auction raised over $1.1 million for the Houston Symphony’s Education and Community Engagement Initiatives with the support of 350 well-heeled guests.
Channel 13 anchor Gina Gaston served as the emcee and welcomed the three chairpersons who each introduced one of the honorees. John Mangum introduced the 2023 Symphony Ball chairpersons Honorable Bill King & Cheryl Boblitt, Brigitte Kalai and Farida Abjani.
Standing ovations go out to Auction Co-Chairs Susan & Denis DeBakey and Lynn Birdwell; Ball Underwriting Co-Chairs Susan Osterberg and Jerré Williams and Ball Advisors Diane Gendel, Betty Tutor and Dr. Mary Ann Reynolds-Wilkins, as well as the numerous volunteers lending a hand.
Once again, in-demand decorator Richard Flowers and The Events Company lent their expertise to create a stunning ballroom décor. The entire room was draped in gold, navy blue damask linens and all-white floral centerpieces consisting of roses, lilies, hydrangeas and tulips were atop the tables.
The dinner service paired a multi-course feast with fine wines. The vintages were selected by Lindy & John Rydman of Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods. The dessert finale beautifully presented from this outstanding meal was a chocolate piano.
One of the evening’s highlights was the lively entertainment. During the seated dinner, a quartet of Symphony musicians performed. After the sumptuous cuisine ended, the featured performers turned up the volume. Dave Bennett Quartet kicked off the post-dinner festivities and got guests on their feet and to the dance floor. Not to be outdone, famed rock guitarist Sammy Hagar kept them there for the remainder of the evening.
Bravo Houston Symphony!
Socially present (not already mentioned): Honorable Joanne King Herring, Beth & Nicholas Zdeblick, Jeff & Rachelle Ball, Hallie Vanderhider, David Wuthrich, Fran Fauntleroy, George & Annette Strake, Betty & Jess Tutor, Heather Almond, Steve & Joella Mach, Ann & Jonathan Ayre, Valerie & Tracy Dieterich, Mary Lynn & Steve Marks, Lilly & Thurmon Andress, Ralph Burch & Vicki West, Jerré & Dennis Williams, Joan & Bob Duff, Mady & Ken Kades, Alex & Mark Grace, Tony Bradfield & Dr. Kevin Black, Alex & Regan Bregman, Soraya & Scott McClelland, Janet Gurwitch & Ron Franklin and Jacquie Baly & James Craig.
