Butterflies and Smiles Help Raise $700,000 at Performing Arts Houston Kaleidoscope Ball “Mariposas de Guadalajara”

Butterflies and Smiles Help Raise $700,000 at Performing Arts Houston Kaleidoscope Ball “Mariposas de Guadalajara”

Wortham Theater Center was filled with a myriad of changing patterns, shapes, colors, entertainment, cuisine, and enjoyment, as 375 guests had sonrisas from ear to ear, radiating the joy and excitement of Performing Arts Houston’s Kaleidoscope Ball celebrating “Mariposas de Guadalajara!” Mariposas (Spanish for butterflies), graced every part of the annual seated affair, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

This nearly 60-year-old organization, with the collective efforts of its supporters, advances artistic innovation and community engagement by hosting over sixty performances across Houston’s Theater District. Relishing their shared success at the gala were chairpersons Kristin and Lance Reynolds, honoree Jesse H. (Jay) Jones, II and PAH’s President & CEO Meg Booth. Their hard work, combined with the unwavering support of the community, paid off, as the charity broke its previous fundraising efforts by raising over $700,000!

Invitees were greeted by women dressed in full-length butterfly costumes and then led to bars emblazoned with more butterflies. A photo booth, a step-and-repeat, a sterling tequila and wine raffle display, numerous silent auction items, and performances by Kinder HSPVA Mariachi Nuevo Jalisco and the Segundo Barrio Children’s Chorus kept everyone excited and lively.

Bergner & Johnson designed the gloriously decorated ballroom. Her creation of a giant butterfly in varying colors, whose expanse covered the entire ceiling of the Wortham lobby, was mesmerizing. Emcee Linda Lorelle made the crowd feel welcomed as she began the evening program, which included a sumptuous dinner by City Kitchen, music by guitarist Jesus Lozano, an impassioned and grateful speech by Houston muralist David Maldonado, who was a former participant in Performing Arts Houston’s education programs, a live auction master class by auctioneer Johnny “Bravo” Holloway, followed by a performance by Grammy-winner Magos Herrera. Congratulaciones to all involved!

A round of applause to event coordinator Niki Smith and her company In Any Event for a job well done navigating so many moving parts.

In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned):  Phoebe and Bobby Tudor, Rachelle and Jeff Ball, Linda and Willie Chiang, Judy and Scott Nyquist, C.C. and Duke Ensell, Mignon and Steve Gill, Leticia and Steve Trauber, Terry Wayne Jones, Tracy and Jim Fish, Cynthia Wolff, Lou Gregory, Janet and John Carrig, Karen Payne, Daniel Irion, Sarah Morgan and Oscar Brown, Lisa and Saul Valentin, Harrison Guy, Cheryl Byington, Kim Padgett, Janet and Bill Swanstrom, Hannah and Paul Wolfer, Tricia and Alan Ratliff, Chree Boydstun, Tripp Carter and Rebekah Johnson