Arboretum's 'Enchanted' Evening Raises Half a Mil for Houston's Urban Oasis

Arboretum's 'Enchanted' Evening Raises Half a Mil for Houston's Urban Oasis

Robert & Amy Urquhart with Annie & Spencer Kerr

DURING APRIL'S STREAK of beautiful, breezy spring weather, the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center hosted its annual alfresco fete for 400.


The "Enchanted Forest" evening included dinner and dancing under the stars, but kicked off at dusk with fine wine and views of the Arboretum's spring wildflowers. Clad in floral-inspired attire, the galagoers descended upon the Nature Center courtyard and lawn, greeted by chairs Annie and Spencer Kerr and Amy and Robert Urquhart.

The crowd applauded honorees Marilyn and Harry Kirk, longtime supporters of the Arboretum and its improvement projects over the years, as well as of conservation and nature education in general. After dinner and the silent auction, Infinite Groove took to the stage, and the party continued well into the night. In all, more than $500,000 was raised at this year's gala.

Jason, Meredith and Allyson Kinzel

Steve and Betty Newton and Andrea and Bill White

Bobbi & Jonathan Worbington

Sam & Mary Sommers Pyne

Charles Reynolds & Kelley Stair

Chris and Therese Odell

Nancy Greig and Debbie Markey

David & Katherine Andrew and Kent & Kristen Bayazitoglu

Megan & Joe Keefe

Jason and Stephanie Beauvais

Frank and Amanda Hauser

Marilyn & Harry Kirk

Leyton & Amy Woolf

Parties

Costa Elena is a kite-surfing capital from December through April

MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITIES aren’t new-news for Houstonians (hello, The Woodlands). And neither is Costa Rica, for that matter, as a direct flight to the Central American paradise known for surfing and ceviche is less than three hours. But Costa Elena, an eco-friendly, sustainably designed community located in the less-trafficked northwest corner of the country, combines all of the above — and does so perfectly.

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places

The bar at Rumi's

THE 13TH-CENTURY poet Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī wrote, “Respond to every call that excites your spirit.” A new dining destination on Post Oak called Rumi’s Kitchen is named after the wise teacher, and indeed promises to excite all the senses.

Keep Reading Show less
Food