Rob Giardinelli
Asia Society Texas’ Tiger Ball Triumphs In $1.5M Evening
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Daniel Ortiz and Wilson Parrish
THE SCENE: The Asia Society Texas campus in Houston was the recent setting for one of the city’s most anticipated and best social events of the year. Over 550 of the city’s most notable sociables, art patrons, philanthropists, and community leaders turned out for Tiger Ball 2024. The night’s theme, Celebrating Magnificent Asia, was magnificently reflected with great people, beautiful décor, and fabulous food to make this a night to remember in the city.
THE VIBE: The black tie and international dress crowd was dazzled from the moment they stepped into the stunning tent over the grounds of the parking lot, which incorporated its floor plan and design around the live trees that were built into the ground underneath the floor of the tent. It was beautifully complemented by the incredible ensembles of the patrons with a mix of bright colors, and metallics that perfectly highlighted the green and orange hues in the space.
Revelers kicked off the evening by posing for images on the elaborate floral step and repeat and then sauntered to the nearby bar for their favorite spirit during the cocktail reception. During the cocktail hour, guests mingled while having the opportunity to sample light bites celebrating the diverse cuisine of Asia. Additionally, partygoers perused an impressive array of silent auction items which included two Harry Winston timepieces, bags from luxury brands including Prada, Ferragamo, and YSL, and original artworks by esteemed artists Tsherin Sherpa and Richard Tinkler.
At precisely 8 PM, the drapes at the rear of the room opened so that guests could take their seats in another part of the tent, which was transformed into a majestic, garden-like space that expertly mixed design with the nature of the naturally occurring trees. As diners took to their seats, they were treated to an exquisite meal courtesy of City Kitchen, while engaging in fun conversation with their table mates. Guests left their meals with a special, edible bauble placed at each seat, courtesy of Harry Winston.
The evening was capped off with an after-party where revelers returned to the front part of the event tent, which offered dessert stations, including bananas flambée, so that patrons could have their sweet tooth satisfied after the savory meal. After dessert, the action then moved to the dance floor where the fun continued well into the evening as guests danced the night away to the tunes of DJ Alx of Karma DJ’s.
THE NON-PROFIT: The Tiger Ball 2024 was co-chaired by Chinhui and Eddie Allen, Heidi and David Gerger, with Sultana and Moez Mangalji and Sue and Randy Sim serving as honorary chairs. Also in the program, Sabria and Kevin Lewis were honored for their longtime and tireless support of the organization. The event raised over $1.5 million for Asia Society Texas, which is an educational institution that provides programs in the fields of arts, business culture, education, and policy to celebrate the vibrant diversity of Asia. It has also been announced that the 2025 Tiger Ball will be on March 7, 2025.
