The “City of Lights” was the “Bon Vivant” Destination at Lone Star Flight Museum’s “Jet Setters Ball”

The “City of Lights” was the Bon Vivant Destination at Lone Star Flight Museum’s “Jet Setters Ball”

Un bonne nuit [A great night] at Lone Star Flight Museum’s “Jet Setters Ball,” as the capitale française [French capitol] was the preferred destination for nearly 500 guests who gathered to raise $700,000 to support the Museum‘s efforts. Chairing this soirée élégante [elegant evening] were the husband-and-wife team of Matthew and Donna Noll. Accepting honors worthy of his philanthropic gifts was LSFM Board Member, veteran and business executive Ralph B. Thomas.

Ralph became a licensed pilot at 19 and earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Texas. He served in the Texas National Guard and was stationed at Ellington Airport. He contributed to the business community at Fayez Sarofim & Co. and has served for ten years as a Lone Star Flight Museum Board Member.

Lead sponsors for this annual gala included Fayez Sarofim & Co., Hildebrand Fund, Joan Skipper and Ed Peine and Bette and Ralph B. Thomas. United Airlines served as the official airline for the Lone Star Flight Museum and the gala.

Channel 2 meteorologist Justin Stapleton was the emcee extraordinaire. He welcomed the Members of the U.S. Coast Guard, Houston-Galveston Sector, to present the colors, and Lone Star Flight Museum executive assistant Jeanine Norwood beautifully performed the National Anthem. LSFM President & CEO Anna Hawley spoke proudly of the evening’s leaders and their role in contributing to the success of not only the gala, but also of the Museum and its future.

The gala planning team, which joined forces with the Museum’s staff, drew inspiration from the theme by masterfully marrying the Parisian landscapes with Texas Aviation history, including commercial, general aviation, and military aircraft housed in the iconic hangar. An 8-foot Eiffel Tower replica was placed in the airplane hangar’s center and miniature replicas were placed within the beautifully arranged red-rose and poppy centerpieces. The superbly catered cuisine began with Shrimp Salad, and then, via formal synchronized service, guests were treated to the second and third courses featuring Braised Beef Short Rib and Crepes, and Chocolate Mousse with Chocolate Truffles, which were placed simultaneously on the table in front of the hungry attendees.

The Honorable Eric Andell served as the judge and jury for the exciting Big Board Auction, which featured a Cibolo Creek Ranch hunting trip, a private event at the Lone Star Flight Museum, and a curated case of fine wines. Johnny Bravo Entertainment handled the Live Auction duties brilliantly. Bidding was enthusiastic and frequent as paddles were raised for a Ferrari Challenge Race Car experience, a food-and-wine-inspired stay in a Tuscan villa, a U.S. Open Tennis Championship weekend in New York, a private jet getaway to Florida, and an upscale European adventure.

Before guests said au revoir [goodbye] to their friends and tablemates, many toured the Museum’s permanent aircraft collection, stepped inside space simulators, tested their piloting skills in flight simulators, enjoyed a ride in the MaxFlight simulator and other activities.

What a fantastic night to celebrate in La Ville Lumière, l’amour, mode, d’art, et de monuments [the City of Light, Love, Fashion, Art and Monuments]!

In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned):  LSFM Board Chair and former US Congressman The Honorable Pete Olson and Nancy Olson, Harris County Judge The Honorable Caroline Dozier, Councilmember At-Large-Position 3 Twila Carter, City of Friendswood Mayor Mike Foreman, Captain Ron Caputo, Chris and Ellen Clair Thomas, Michael and Alicia Fertitta, Flo McGee and Wade Upton, Brenda and Joe Cialone, Charlie and Carol Herder, Edith Hernandez, Kyra Joiner, Cheryl Boblitt King and Honorable Bill King, Scott Rozzell, Lisa and Jerry Simon, Honorable Ellen Cokinos and Paige Michael Cokinos, Angie and Frank Hinnant, Ashley and Black Boyd