Picnic: A Soiree in the Park: Gala
The Rice Design Alliance celebrated Discovery Green, Houston’s new park in the heart of downtown Houston, and those who undertook the strenuous civic activity to make it happen at its annual benefit gala on November 15.
The 22nd RDA gala was held at the Hilton Americas-Houston hotel where the Gensler team of Marilyn Archer, Yishio Quo, Michelle Hatton, and Edward Folse with designer Rebekah Johnson of Bergner and Johnson Design transformed the Lanier Ballroom into a sophisticated park-like setting, a modern twist on Versailles. A wide promenade led to the stage, alongside which major underwriters and their guests were seated at long picnic-style tables. Eight-foot tall topiary trees lined the promenade and tablecloths in shades of blue and green swept over the space, mimicking the green space and water features of Discovery Green. The Discovery Park Conservancy and Guy Hagstette, president of Discovery Green, were congratulated for their leadership and management of this fabulous, convivial public space that enhances the quality of life in Houston.
Gala Chairs Charlotte and Larry Whaley and Honorary Chair Y. Ping Sun joined RDA President Chuck Gremillion in greeting the twelve hundred guests as they made their way to the amazing auction that featured 144 unique designer items and 51 works of art, curated by auction chairs Adrienne Johnson and Liz Anders and their talented committee.
Underwriting chair Kimberly Hickson and her committee beat their 2007 record-breaking effort, raising $575,000 for RDA programs and Cite.
To find your picture next to (or in) the outrageous art cart, visit our Shutterfly Page.
Discovery Green park designers Mary Margaret Jones of Hargreaves Associates, Lauren Griffith of Lauren Griffith Associates, and Larry Speck of PageSoutherlandPage were on hand to be congratulated for the design of the 12-acre urban park and its buildings, including The Grove and The Lake House. Also receiving accolades were Ray Messer of Walter P Moore, whose company engineered the park, and park contractors Thad and Tricia Miner of Miner Dederick Construction, and Marshall Lightman of Gilbane.
Dancers soon replaced strollers on the promenade as Austin band Rotel and the Hot Tomatoes wowed the crowd with their music and showmanship. Late into the evening gala guests were having as much fun as a walk in the park!
The Rice Design Alliance’s 2008 gala was a celebration of Discovery Green, Houston’s new downtown park. The 12-acre urban park is the result of a unique public-private partnership between the non-profit Discovery Green Conservancy and the City of Houston; the work of many talented architects, designers, artists, and contractors; and a creative and highly skilled staff. RDA recognized the enormous talent and energy that made this important public space possible and celebrate its contribution to the quality of life in Houston.
The evening included dinner, dancing to the music of Rotel and the Hot Tomatoes, and a fabulous silent auction of unique designer items and art.
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Filed Under: Galas, discovery green, downtown
