Rob Giardinelli
Glam Event Is A Totally Rad Record-Breaking Night Of $1.163 Million For The Beloved Children’s Institution
By Rob Giardinelli Photography By Alexander’s Fine Portrait Design
THE SCENE: The Corinthian in Houston was the setting for a fun and fabulous night celebrating one of Houston’s most beloved organizations. Over 450 of the area’s top community leaders, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for Prom Night: Party Like It’s 1999. Benefiting Children’s Museum Houston, the night featured old-school fun and a record-breaking fundraising haul that had guests talking about it long after the last song played.
THE VIBE: The formal-with-a-twist crowd wholeheartedly embraced this entertaining theme, as evidenced by the patrons’ attire. In the crowd, one could spot couples in traditional formal dress with a mix of traditional and bold colors. Many also wore corsages and boutonnieres for an added layer of high school authenticity.
Others opted to embrace their inner high schooler, dressing in character fully. One saw all the folks you would see at any high school in the 90s: jocks, cheerleaders, and slackers, to name a few. The result was a fun environment that reflected the range of tastes and styles one would see at any high school reunion.
The night began with a lively cocktail hour. Once guests ascended The Corinthian steps, they took a moment to pose for prom pictures under a handmade heart that served as a sense of nostalgic whimsy. They were also provided with ring pops and neon light-up flowers that were just a small taste of the fun that lie ahead for guests.
After posing for photos, they grabbed their favorite spirit, which the patrons, now well over 21, could enjoy freely. During the cocktail hour, guests also perused an impressive selection of silent auction items, bidding on an array of luxury experiential packages. Additionally, revelers also hopped into photo booths to capture additional memories of this unforgettable night.
Guests then descended the steps to the main floor of The Corinthian for the main program. Acclaimed event production company Bergner & Johnson transformed the space into CMHS in honor of the organization’s name. The space was transformed into a high school gym complete with streamers, pep rally banners, cootie catchers, a bulldog mascot, cheeky “librarian” and “coach” characters, and a real basketball court dance floor.
As partygoers took to their seats, they dined on a multi-course meal, and the desserts were a new twist on a ’90s classic: homemade strawberry Pop-Tarts. During the dinner, patrons were treated to words from organization and event leaders thanking them for being a part of such a memorable evening. Next, Brittany Franklin helmed a spirited live auction where the paddles and fundraising went up as they bid on a dazzling array of luxury items and experiences. The most popular items in the auction were the first pitch at a Houston Astros game and an Evolution Maverick D5 six-seat electric golf cart.
The program concluded with a royal court taking to the stage and crowning Will Northington and Ellen Bookout as Prom King and Queen. After that, the happy revelers hit the dance floor in full force as they danced the night away to the tunes of The Drywater Band, capping off an unforgettable night for one of Houston’s most beloved organizations.
THE NON-PROFIT: “Prom Night: Party Like It’s 1999,” led by co-chairs Kathryn and Travis Boeker and Cassandra and Ryan Dalton, Underwriting Chairs Rebecca and Bill Adler, and Blair and Barry Kessler, and Auction Chairs Tracy Northington and Nina Rand, raised a record-breaking $1.163 million for Children’s Museum Houston. Proceeds from the event will support innovative educational programs and hands-on learning experiences that reach nearly one million children and families each year.
