Jewels set the stage for Houston Ballet Ball’s Return to Wortham Theater Center

Jewels set the stage for Houston Ballet Ball’s Return to Wortham Theater Center

Diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, tuxedos, black ties, ballgowns, designer shoes and clutches were aplenty, as 400 guests celebrated the Ballet Ball’s return to its home at Wortham Theater Center after two long years. The well-attended gala entitled “Jewels” was inspired by the glamour and elegance of George Balanchine’s ballet of the same name.

Standing ovations go out to chairpersons Stephanie & Frank Tsuru and Kelli & John Weinzierl, the supporting chairs, sponsors, attendees, Houston Ballet and its devoted group of volunteers, as $1.4 million was raised to further the Ballet’s mission.

Once again, décor impresario Richard Flowers and his The Events Company transformed Wortham’s Grand Foyer into a dazzling venue dripping with gemstones. Balconies adorned with statement necklaces, a gemstone-shaped dance floor, emerald tablecloths and ruby-red centerpieces were all part of Richard’s opulent design.

Impressive silent auction items were on display, which included a .51 Carat Colombian Muzo emerald; an exclusive lunch with beloved Houston icon, Lynn Wyatt; an adventure-filled overnight stay at the historic Spread Oaks Ranch; and a five-night Deer Valley vacation experience plus many more.

Guests danced the night away after dinner, which from all accounts, was the part of the evening no one wanted to end. Upon leaving, guests were able to choose from an emerald, diamond or ruby Jewels-inspired candle to take home.

Socially present (not previously mentioned): Margaret Alkek Williams, Rose Cullen, Lynn Wyatt, Anne and Albert Chao, Phoebe and Bobby Tudor, Deborah and Edward Koehler, Becca Cason Thrash, Lauren Anderson, Laura Robertson, Beth and Nick Zdeblick, David and Tara Wuthrich, Jordan Seff, Leigh and Reggie Smith, Allison and Troy Thacker, Jesse H. Jones, II and Terry Wayne Jones, Melissa Juneau, S. Shawn Stephens and James M. Jordan, Alan May, Bonnie Weekley, Kristy and Chris Bradshaw, Liz Schwarze, Mignon and Steve Gill, Claudia and David Hatcher, Chad Libertus, Jerry and Melanie Martin, Yana and Warren McFatter, Kent Schaffer and Shara Kuy, Lilly and Harrison Cullen, Gillian Hobson, Jim Nelson, Stanton Welch AM, Jerry Ann Woodfin-Costa and Victor Costa, Martha and Marvin McMurrey, Ann Trammell, Rene Chapman-Wood and Christina Foley, Pamela and Bruce Earthman, Kate Dearing Fowler and Stephen Fowler, Kelley and Stephen Lubanko, Jo and Jim Furr, Susan and Gary Binney, Amy LeBlanc, Ileana and Michael Treviño and many others.