Life and Legacy of Big-Time Benefactor Celebrated at MFAH’s Grand Gala Ball

Jenny Antill

Alanna Flores, Fayez Sarofim, Meredith Flores Barker, Gillian Sarofim

NEARLY 500 BLACK-tie-clad Houstonians turned out to toast the late billionaire-philanthropist Fayez Sarofim, who notably contributed tens of millions to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, at the MFAH’s annual Grand Gala Ball. This year, the event honored Sarofim’s legacy and that of his eponymous foundation, and celebrated the continuance of the family’s generosity, as several of the Sarofims were in attendance.

Guests entered through a clear, chandelier-bedecked tent into the museum’s Cullinan Hall, whose walls were covered in dozens of masterworks from Fayez’s personal collection. At the event, it was announced that 125 of the pieces will be placed on an extended loan to the MFAH beginning early next year.

The decorative floral walls and accents of navy- and peach-colored linens throughout, executed by The Events Company, were reflective of Fayez’s personal taste. His favorite dishes — from lobster salad to risotto Milanese — were whipped up by City Kitchen and beautifully served to galagoers during the seated-dinner portion of the evening. Another one of his faves? Whataburger, which inspired the late-night bites at the conclusion of the event.

DJ Chris Szenberg and Revel Arcade provided the soundtrack for the night, which raised nearly $2.4 million.