Inside the Ballet’s 50th Anniversary Bash

Wilson Parish
blast9.18
blast9.18


Fifty has never looked better! The Houston Ballet’s milestone-anniversary season kicked off with a special celebration at the Wortham. A performance of Giselle — which was actually the show, put on by a troupe of Houston dancers in 1967, that prompted the city to explore having its own company — was followed by a seated onstage dinner. Tables, chairs and even a string quartet were nestled invitingly among set pieces; floral arrangements featuring blush, cream and hints of gold, a nod to the golden anniversary, were eye-catching. Dinner — medallions of herb-crusted beef tenderloin, walnut-filled Champagne-poached pear — was also fit for royalty. The evening, chaired by Jesse H. Jones II and honoring Lynn Wyatt for her many contributions to the Ballet over the decades, garnered more than $230,000. Encore!

Ian Casady, Marguerite Swartz, Mary Sage and Chris Coome
Dispatches
Fall Philanthropy Report: Urban Harvest Farmers Market Helps ‘Transform Food Accessibility’

What year was your organization launched? Urban Harvest’s Saturday Farmers Market started in 2004 with just seven vendors, providing an outlet for local farms, community and backyard gardeners to sell fresh produce harvested directly from their soils. Now in its 20th year, the market has grown to be one of the largest markets in Texas, supporting over 100 local farmers, ranchers, and food artisans all from within 180 miles of Houston. The market draws 3,000 customers every Saturday morning and includes many original vendors like Animal Farm, Atkinson Farms, and Wood Duck Farm.

Keep Reading Show less

What year was your organization launched? 1938

What is your mission? March of Dimes was founded in 1938 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, to combat polio. The name “March of Dimes” was suggested by entertainer Eddie Cantor as a way to encourage people to donate even a small amount, like a dime, to help fight polio.

Keep Reading Show less

The 50th Annual Spindletop Holiday Ball, Seas and Greetings, will be held on Thursday, December 12. Tables and sponsorship opportunities are available now.

What is your mission? Spindletop Community Impact Partners, Inc. enhances the lives of at-risk youth through funding and volunteering from the energy industry, while promoting fellowship and networking among its participants.

Keep Reading Show less