Houston: Museum of Fine Arts Houston Grand Gala Triumphs In High Style

Revered Museum Honors Fayez Sarofim Who Was Instrumental To Its Ongoing Success

By Jennifer Roosth   Photography by Jenny Antill

THE SCENE: The Museum of Fine Arts Houston’s Grand Gala Ball drew more than 475 guests, entering underneath a clear top tent decked with greenery and crystal chandeliers. The venue’s Cullinan Hall was transformed to honor and celebrate the life of Fayez S. Sarofim with masterworks from his personal collection that were displayed. The décor from The Events Company reflected Sarofim’s personal taste and included decorative floral walls in the North Foyer with wall sconces and navy drape, peach-colored linens, and peach and white chair cushions on silver Chivari chairs.

THE VIBE: Beautiful floral arrangements consisting of light blue hydrangea, a variety of pink roses, and coral peonies were created by Stems Custom Floral. Guests danced on the black and white checkerboard dance floor and enjoyed the sounds of DJ Chris Szenberg and Revel Arcade. City Kitchen wowed with a menu inspired by Sarofim’s favorite dishes–crisp shrimp with jalapeno mango chutney, smoked salmon on blini, miniature BLT sandwiches, vegetable spring rolls with peanut sauce, and Oysters Ernie. The main menu included a lobster salad, roasted striploin with morel mushroom cream sauce and sides of Risotto Milanese and haricots verts, and ended with a mixed berry tart and side of vanilla ice cream drizzled in a port reduction and topped with candied ginger. The late-night bites paid homage to a personal favorite of Sarofim’s, Whataburger.

THE NON PROFIT: Chairing the event were Andrew and Mona Sarofim along with Phillip Sarofim and Christy Cham. Christopher and Courtney Sarofim, with Allison Sarofim and Patrick Seabase, served as honorary chairs. The event raised $2.376 million, directly benefitting the operating budget of the MFAH. It was also announced that 125 works from the collection of Fayez S. Sarofim will be placed on an extended loan to the MFAH, beginning in early 2023. The partnership between the MFAH and the Sarofim Foundation will allow the museum to care for the collection, install works within the galleries, and manage access for exhibitions around the world.