Leaving a Legacy

The prolific generosity of philanthropists Lester and Sue Smith was felt at the Stages Repertory Theatre gala. In one of his last great acts of giving, Lester, who passed away at press time, presented a surprise gift of $2.5 million to complete funding for Stages’ sprawling new campus, named after their friends Glenda and Russell Gordy and slated to open in January 2020. The “Night Garden” gala was the most-attended and highest-grossing in the theater’s history.

Glenda and Russell Gordy, and Sue and Lester Smith


Glenda and Russell Gordy, and Sue and Lester Smith
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Fall Philanthropy Report: Children’s Assessment Center Touts ‘Healing’ for Child Abuse Victims

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Michelle and Jonathan Zadok (photo by Jacob Power)

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Breanna Blankenship, Nicholas Stuart, Zsavon Butler, Outspoken Bean

SUPPORTERS OF THE Houston Arts Alliance pulled inspiration from global art, fashion and culture for a spectacular gala at the Hobby Center. “The World’s Stage” gala, chaired by Zsavon Butler and Nicholas Stuart, raised $325,000 to benefit the Houston Arts Alliance’s public-art and artist resiliency initiatives.

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