Destination: Monte Carlo Lands at Lone Star Flight Museum “Jet Setters Ball”

Destination: Monte Carlo Lands at Lone Star Flight Museum “Jet Setters Ball”

Washes of coastal color, vibrant floral displays and operatic voices floating through the Lone Star Flight Museum hangar greeted the more than 500 guests for the annual Jet Setters Ball, entitled “Destination: Monte Carlo.”

Gala co-chairs Kelly and David Rose and Megan and Jason Ryan were on “Cloud Nine” as their efforts, along with the support of Premier Sponsors CenterPoint Energy, ConocoPhillips, Bette and Ralph Thomas and Key Sponsors Carolyn and Anthony Hall, Joan Skipper and Ed Peine, and the Strake Foundation helped raise $620,000 to fund the museum’s STEM-related programs, educational mission and exhibits.

Channel 2’s Khambrel Marshall served as emcee for this special evening. He welcomed Lt. General Doug Owens, the Museum’s President and CEO, who spoke about the achievements during the past year and exciting plans for the future. A tribute to the late Robert L. “Bob” Waltrip was a true highlight of the gala, especially when his daughter Holly Waltrip took the stage to express her and the family’s deep love for her father. A tribute video showcased his business acumen, putting family first, and his passion for aviation, which led him to establish the Lone Star Flight Museum in 1985.

Attendees vacationed on the French Riviera that evening. The journey to the Côte d’Azur was created by the décor provided by The Events Company and a “Monte Carlo” seated dinner by City Kitchen.

Trips to the U.S. Open Tennis Championship in New York, a NASCAR racing experience, the NCAA Final Four, and wildlife experiences were highlighted during the live auction, big board, and paddle raise. A stellar “Wine Pull” also helped add to the treasury’s bottom line.

The evening wouldn’t have been complete without the exclusive tours inside the aircraft and space shuttle simulators, flight simulators and STEM-based exhibits.

Lt. General Owens said it best: “The dedicated work of our staff, gala co-chairs, sponsors, and donors made this incredible night possible. Our mission is to celebrate flight and achievements in Texas aviation history and to educate and engage our youth through STEM. The Houston philanthropic community’s generosity and ongoing support enable us to continue this work and inspire future aviators and STEM professionals. Mr. Waltrip would be so proud.”

In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned):  Scott Rozzell, Judge Eric Andell,  Blair Waltrip, Braddock Brossa, Candace and Lonnie Schiller, Theresa Owens, Catherine Waltrip-Lesch, Kaitlin Waltrip-Howell, other Waltrip family members, Steve and Carla Strake, Sue McCollow, Rob Parrish, Pete and Nancy Olson, Jackie Pope, Velda Britt, Sharon Owens, Anthony W. Hall, Jr., Al Tervelon, Harry Johnson, Sr., Col. Bif and Shauna French, Mary and David Novelli, Monica Karuturi, Kumaran Sathyamoorthy, John and LeAnne Storrie, Tomorrow and Chad Thumann, Mindy and Josh Davidson, Robin Cloyd, Everett Gibson, Coy Lewis, Carol Katrana, Phil Laughlin, Lori Spilde, Veronica Foley, Aaron Foley, Mandi Patel, Brad Bangen, Kristin Collins and Brandan Huff, Joel Lucks, Michelle Bramblett, Carey Kirkpatrick, April Fabre, Jason Fabre, Jenny Koehler, Jason Wells, Chasta Martin, Ryane Jackson, Kameron Brackins