“A MARVELOUS NIGHT” VIRTUAL GALA

Children’s Museum Houston raises more than $700,000 in superpowered event

Co-Chaired by Children’s Museum Houston’s Executive Committee

Presented by Phillips 66

HOUSTON (Oct. 26, 2020) – Boom!  Wham!  Kapow! Superheroes rose to the occasion during Children’s Museum Houston’s “A Marvelous Night” Virtual Gala at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, presented by Phillips 66.  Combining their superpowers, more than 1,000 tuned in and raised over $700,000 to help the Museum continue to fulfill its mission of transforming communities through innovative, child-centered learning.  

This year’s virtual event packed a punch and delivered on an evening of epic proportions. Co-chaired bythe Museum’s own Justice League (Executive Committee):  Geoffrey Bracken, Steve Daniel, Pamela Joubert Davis, Jason Endecott, William Griffin, Dr. Catherine Horn, Brad Morgan, Dr. Robert McCallister, Linda Nunnery, Charlene Pate, Jeffrey Scofield, Sebastien Solar, Saul Solomon, and William J. Toomey, II, the event featured a comic book style narration spotlighting committee members and their families as they transformed into mighty superheroes and recognized the real-life heroes who enable the Museum to serve Houston’s children.  Cinematic universes collided and Supergirl, Wonder Woman, Captain America, Thor, PlasticMan and even Dr. Birx and Dr. Fauci (played by Virginia and Lee Lahourcade) were spotted!

Hosted by Great Day Houston’s Deborah Duncan and Houston Public Media’s Ernie Manouse, the virtual gala was livestreamed via philanthropic site, QTEGO, IBM Channel and through the Museum’s Facebook page.  Everyone was invited to watch and bid from wherever they were as superhero correspondents, Captain CMH and Lady CMH, swooped across the evening sky to make special visits at some of the home watch parties hosted by gala underwriters.

The Museum received much love from partner organizations, including Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, Houston ISD, and Houston Health Department, and a video medley of children, expressing their gratitude to the Museum, played to the tune of Pharrell’s “Happy” song.  

Jackson & Company served a meal fit for a superhero.  Top underwriters enjoyed a scrumptious gourmet dinner and wine delivered to their own homes.  The three-course dinner menu included:  First course – ribbons of striped beets, baby lettuce, marinated asparagus, goat cheese crusted with black sesame seeds, and sherry chive vinaigrette.  Entrée – filet mignon with peppercorn thyme mushroom butter sauce.  Haricots verts. Whipped potatoes.  Themed trio of desserts – Hulk pistachio mousse, chocolate Batman, and Wonder Woman emblem miniature red velvet cake.  Wine included Henri Darnat Bourgogne Blanc 2015 and Millbrandt Cabernet Souvignon Northridge 2016.  Floral masterpieces were designed by Bergner and Johnson.  They also received a “Gala in a Box” themed surprise which included fun, superhero-inspired goodies.

Live auction highlights included:  Instant Wine Cellar - comprised of 60 bottles, representing almost every wine making region in the world and almost every grape variety. The winner also received a private tasting class for four with certified WSET Level 3 wine specialist, French Wine Scholar and Texas Wine School Instructor, Ginny Endecott. This amazing package was generously donated by Ginny and Jason Endecott.  Party of the Year! – dinner party for 25 guests in your home with a custom designed 3-course dinner prepared by Jackson & Co and served by their extraordinary staff, floral centerpieces by Bergner and Johnson, and custom invitations by Paper Tie Affair.   Luxury vacation home in Bend, Oregon – A beautiful 6-bedroom, 6-bath home with a hot tub, putting green, outdoor deck with fireplace and a gourmet kitchen located at the Pronghorn Resort.  Generously donated by Milessa and Jed Lowrie.  

Nearly 100 hot action (silent auction) items were sold, including a luxury log cabin stay in British Columbia, La Bahia Retreat in Brenham, and Astros Diamond Level tickets.  Lifetime Museum Board Member Kathryn Rabinow won the Peloton Bike+ Essentials raffle, plus a 6-month Peloton membership with unlimited access valued at $2,929.  

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The event culminated with a live performance by Love and Happiness Band.

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