Lone Star Flight Museum Jet-Setted and Winged its Way to Destination Rome for a “Plane” Amazing Evening

Lone Star Flight Museum Jet-Setted and Winged
its Way to Destination Rome for a “Plane” Amazing Evening

Co-chairs Cheryl Boblitt King and The Honorable Bill King, Penny and Dennis Murphree, Diane and Steve Biegel, and CenterPoint Energy, the presenting sponsor, welcomed over 400 guests to the Lone Star Flight Museum for its annual gala, themed “JetSetters Ball: Destination Rome.” The excitement started as guests stepped out of their automobiles and into the beautiful LSFM facility, where cocktails and “living” statues set the mood for what was to come.

Guests traveled through the museum’s hangar to begin a tour of its amazing aircraft on display, including Scott Rozzell’s Fairchild F-24, STEM-based exhibits, space shuttle simulators and a chance to “fly” Scott’s aforementioned aircraft in flight simulation.

As guests entered the ballroom, they were transported to the Roman capital. The décor resembled the “Eternal City,” and trattoria food was served buffet style. Specialty cocktails and decadent gelato stations featuring several flavor choices completed the Festa Italiana.

Former KPRC anchor and emcee Khambrel Marshall led the evening’s festivities. He invited the gala chairs on stage to speak, followed by The Honorable John Whitmire, Mayor of Houston, who praised the Museum and its team for their ongoing efforts and introduced the JetSetters Ball honoree, former Museum Board Chair and Lifetime Award Recipient Scott Rozzell. Many friends contributed to a tribute video detailing Scott’s tenacious spirit, passion for flying and love of family. Those who provided filmed words of praise included Scott’s daughters Kimberly McVey and Stacey Murphree and close friends Charles Szalkowski and Daryl Bristow. The heartwarming presentation concluded with a surprise video tribute from The Honorable James A. Baker, III, former U.S. Secretary of State. LSFM President and CEO Anna Hawley thanked the attendees for their support and said, “Scott Rozzell’s influence and impact on this museum has been transformational. We are grateful for the work of our co-chairs and the generous community support that made it a very special evening. The funds raised will continue to move us forward in inspiring future aviators and STEM leaders.”

In the crowd and recognized for his invaluable service to his country was Lt. William Bayer, a 99-year-old World War II aviator who flew eighteen bombing missions over Germany. He received a standing ovation and his proud family was on hand to celebrate his achievements.

The live auction and big board held a few notable surprises and brought some smiles to the bidding crowd. Live auctioneer Tim Deitz with Johnny Bravo Entertainment set the bar high with his auction calls. A few items on the short list of “must-haves” were a trip to Tuscany in a private villa, a luxury ranch stay at Cibolo Creek Ranch, a pit pass experience at the 12 Hours of Sebring racing event, Zero-G Weightless experience, flights in the museum’s beloved B-25 WWII aircraft and a dinner for ten with co-chairs Bill King & Cheryl Boblitt King and George and Laura Pontikes home, catered by George and paired with wines chosen by famed wine author and sommelier Denman Moody. Celebrated artist Taft McWhorter was brought to the stage to assist in auctioning his exquisite work of art. Deftly handling the Big Board duties was former District Judge The Honorable Eric Andell, who banged his gavel for the winning items.

After the successful auction concluded, singer Tianna Hall entertained the happy guests while they grabbed many photo opportunities to record the “plane” amazing $670,000 evening!

In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned): Honorable Pete Olson and Nancy Olson, Susan Bloom, Jason and Megan Ryan, George and Laura Pontikes, Dewey Stringer and Katherine Pulse, John and Whitney Whitmire Jenkins, Carolyn Pardue, Steve and Anne-Laure Stephens, Denman and Marijo Moody, Lenora Sorola-Pohlman, Joan Skipper and Ed Peine, Bette and Ralph Thomas, Anthony W. Hall, Jr., Sonia Soto, Ernie Manouse, Ellen Cokinos