Out-of-this-World Bash Celebrates 40 Years of the Orange Show

Emily Jaschke
Out-of-this-World Bash Celebrates 40 Years of the Orange Show

Aida Eltorie, Surena Matin, Laura Rathe, Tracy Levit Larner and Glen Larner

KNOWN BEST AS the presenter of the world's largest art car parade, the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art showed off its artful past and fabulous future at a 40th-anniversary bash on Saturday.


More than 500 festively clad guests attended the out-of-this-world event, which adopted a theme of "The Big Bang" and was chaired by Melissa and Paul Dobrowski and Julia and Will Robinson. Immersive art installations throughout the Orange Show's 31,000-square-foot warehouse transformed the venue into a psychedelic spaceship.

Street artist Gonzo247 live-painted a piece that went up for auction alongside items like a trip to the Grammy's or a decadent steak dinner from B&B Butchers. And Valobra Master Jewelers donated a $10,000 pair of diamond earrings, which were up for grabs via a balloon-popping contest dubbed "The Big Bang Moment."

After guests noshed on bites from Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House, Tony's exec chef Austin Waiter prepared a beautiful spread for the main meal, which preceded a speech by Orange Show Executive Director Tommy Ralph Pace. Pace toasted the organization's 40-year history and announced a plan to develop a new facility on the current property with the help of architect firm Rogers Partners.

Morris Day & The Time took to the stage — in elaborate outer-space-themed costumes! — as guests mixed, mingled and danced their way through the rest of the night.

The party raised $800,000 for the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art and its projects like Smither Park and the Beer Can House.

Mark Sullivan, Catherine Anspon and Libbie Masterson

Melissa Dobrowski

Fabricio Esquivel, Florencia Vial and Dean Putterman

Hannah Bull and Alex Lechin

Katherine Barthelme and Melissa Lujan

Chris and Katherine Gillman, and Amy and Slade Stargel

John Gregory, Karen Desenberg and Gary Williams

Rebecca Bass

Gonzo247

Ashley Langley

Morris Day

Julia and Will Robinson

John Kerr Smither and Anne Hyde Smither

Parties
Theresa Roemer Is an Entrepreneur and Podcaster with Great Audience Connection

I AM AN accomplished philanthropist, esteemed motivational speaker, renowned fitness expert, and host of an engaging podcast UNHINGED. Through my diversified endeavors, I have established several successful ventures, including TR Beauty and The Vault, a private community catering to like-minded people. Additionally, I am the founder of Houston Style Icons, a platform dedicated to honoring and acknowledging Houstonian style, and Fashion Woodlands, an annual fashion show that I have meticulously curated. Furthermore, I actively engage with my audience through my YouTube channel, providing valuable content and insights.

Keep Reading Show less

What is your mission? The Children’s Assessment Center (The CAC) provides healing services to over 6,300 child sexual abuse victims and their families each year. We offer forensic interviewing, family advocacy, mental health services, medical care, and court services at no cost. We facilitate community outreach and prevention training to raise awareness about child abuse in our community and how to keep children safe. Last year, we provided prevention training to over 35,000 community members, including 23,500 children in schools.

Keep Reading Show less

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