Houston Museum Of Natural Science “Futurama” Gala Serves Up Starry Fun

With A Cosmic Mid-Century Theme,  Fundraising Records Are Shattered With $3.8 Million Raised

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by Mike Rathke and Daniel Ortiz

THE SCENE: The Houston Museum of Natural Science was the setting for one of the most anticipated and successful annual signature fundraising events. Over 350 of the area’s most notable community leaders, science enthusiasts, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for the Futurama! A Stardust Odyssey gala. Benefiting the aforementioned museum, the out-of-this-world event featured great food, scenery, activations, and conversation, resulting in the most successful gala in the museum’s storied 117-year history.

THE VIBE: The black-tie crowd featured an elegant array of formal looks. In the crowd, one could spot traditional formal wear that seamlessly blended in with white dinner jackets, metallics, bold colors, and print ensembles. The result was a beautiful ecosystem of warm, radiant energy where everyone felt welcome.

The progressive experience of the night kept guests on their toes as they spent parts of the evening in one of several museum world-class spaces. The festivities began in the Alfred C. Glassell, Jr. Hall, Matter & Motion Hall, and the Hamill Gallery for cocktails, engagement, and experiences. Hosted by Los Angeles-based Magic & Cocktails, the crowd was wowed by the elevated bartending experience that allowed everyone to get into the spirit of the gala and give, and grab a signature cocktail, each inspired by the event’s theme.

Once revelers had their favorite spirit in hand, they perused these three aforementioned, elegant spaces, which featured an array of spectacular “The Vault” Silent Auction items up for bid. Among the most popular of the evening were a curated selection of 15 minerals in the Museum Quality Case, a Shipwrecked Silver Ingot from the S.S. Gairsoppa, and a 1965 Jaguar XKE Series 1 4.2 Coupe donated by Houston philanthropists Stephanie and Frank Tsuru. Perfectly complementing the cocktail hour were tunes by Justin & The Swing Beats Quartet, featuring a sophisticated mix of jazz and retro pop tunes.

Revelers then headed to Morian Hall of Paleontology for a delectable, multi-course meal courtesy of City Kitchen Catering. With pieces from the exhibit serving as the ultimate backdrop and highlighting the museum’s best works, the space was transformed into an elegant, formal dining space. The tables were adorned with bold, mid-century-inspired tablecloths, Lucite chairs, and elegant votives.

After dinner, the crowd headed to the Grand Entry Hall for an epic after-party. Helping transform revelers into a 60’s Vegas fantasy was Prime Systems, which brought immersive lighting, and J&D Entertainment, which provided pink flamingo showgirls complete with large feathers. Complementing the space was a pop-up arcade provided by Joystix Entertainment, which featured iconic video games that brought out the fun…and the inner kid in guests. Not to be outdone was the custom dance floor provided by Mike’s Dance Floor Rentals, which featured chrome copper facades, lilac wrapped cocktail platforms, and a custom pillar-cut main stage. This created the perfect environment for revelers to take to the dance floor for an encore performance by Justin & The Swing Beats Quartet, which they did well into the night. The night perfectly showcased that galas, like nature, have vast, beautiful ecosystems that can sing in perfect harmony.

THE NON-PROFIT: Futurama! A Stardust Odyssey, chaired by Randa and Charlie Williams & Susanne and Joe Bartsch, raised a record-shattering $3.8 million for the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Proceeds from the event will support the museum’s educational programs, exhibitions, and outreach initiatives.