Rob Giardinelli
The Celebratory Gala Marks A Decade Of Excellence, Raising The Bar And The Funds For The City’s Future
By Rob Giardinelli Photography Courtesy of the Houston Astros
THE SCENE: Daikin Park in downtown Houston was the setting for a milestone celebration for one of the city’s most anticipated fall fundraising events. Several hundred of Space City’s most notable community leaders, sports fanatics, music lovers, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for the 10th Annual Diamond Dreams gala. Benefiting the Houston Astros Foundation, the night blew the roof off, literally, featuring a dazzling combination of music, food, and sport that had fans talking about it long after the event ended.
THE VIBE: The cocktail-attired crowd fully embraced the Floridian Nights theme in honor of the home state of headline performer Flo Rida. In the crowd, one could find revelers in suits, cocktail dresses, and ballgowns in an array of colors. Many opted for bold floral prints in honor of the lush, tropical gardens known throughout the Sunshine State. The result was a warm, welcoming environment for all who attended.
Kicking off the night was a lively cocktail hour on the field of Daikin Park. After cozying up to the bar to grab their favorite spirit of choice, revelers mingled with many, taking a moment to chat and pose for pictures with various Houston Astros players, both past and present, in attendance. Others could be seen perusing the impressive lot of silent auction items, any of which featured curated fan experiences… and checking their phones to make sure they weren’t outbid.
Partygoers then took their seats on the field of Daikin Park for dinner and the main program. As guests enjoyed their delectable, multi-course meals, they were treated to words by event and organization leaders, including Houston Astros Owner and Chairman Jim Crane and his wife, Whitney Crane, who thanked the excited crowd for their support of the Diamond Dreams Gala over the past 10 years. The main program concluded with honoring Mike Metz for his longtime support of the Houston Astros Foundation.
Next came a high-energy, thrilling live auction courtesy of Johnny Bravo. The bidding was fierce for an array of luxury items, vacations, and other experiences. A paddles-up followed, helping take fundraising to new heights.
Capping off the night was an electric, show-stopping concert by Flo Rida. The rap legend kept the crowd engaged as they sang along and danced to his many hits, keeping the fun going well into the night.
THE NON-PROFIT: The 10th Annual Diamond Dreams Gala, co-chaired by Janet Gurwitch and Ron Franklin, raised a record-breaking $2.1 million for the Houston Astros Foundation. Proceeds from the event will benefit programs and services at the community Partner Salvation Army of Greater Houston, aimed at one of the Houston Astros Foundation’s core initiatives: reducing homelessness in the Houston area.
