Fighting For The Future Of The Arts At Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion — Aspiring Artists Get a $580,000 Boost

A swirl of fine wine and generosity filled The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion at the 25th annual Pavilion Partners Wine Dinner, with the night raising more than $580,000 for young artists’ futures. The generous donations will fund scholarships for local high school students who plan to major in the arts in college.

Held on stage at The Pavilion, the event was co-chaired by Sonya Nicholson and Charlie de Kanter. It honored longtime supporters Lisa and Fred Koetting, as well as grand patron partners American Communications Construction and Insperity.

Pavilion president and CEO Jeff Young opened the evening by reminding the 300 guests why their support matters.

“We come together not only to celebrate fine wine and great company, but more importantly, to champion the power of the arts in transforming lives,” Young said.

He noted how Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is a cornerstone of The Woodlands community. Its mission includes providing scholarships, world-class performances and educational programs that bring the arts within reach for everyone.

“As you enjoy this evening, I hope you will see the profound impact of your support firsthand,” Young added. “Every note played, every performance staged and every young artist inspired is made possible because of people like you.”

Past scholarship winners also performed for the crowd. Ian Ramirez, who received a scholarship in 2006, impressed the crowd with selections from a German opera. Violinist Cade Carter and harpist Zoë Winn performed duets and thanked attendees for their support.

“Studying music wouldn’t be an option without your generosity,” Winn said. “It’s life changing. It’s inspiring to have so many people investing in my future as a musician. Thank you so much to each and every single one of you.”

The Value of Arts Access In The Woodlands

Young also spoke about the broader need for accessible arts education.

“Through the arts, students discover their voices,” he noted. “Communities find connection, and culture is preserved and celebrated.”

He emphasized that students involved in the arts perform better academically and develop stronger critical thinking skills. More importantly, they grow into more engaged citizens.

“But beyond the numbers, the true impact of the arts is seen in the lives they touch,” Young said. “It’s in the aspiring artists who receive a scholarship and turn their dreams into reality.”

Young concluded his remarks with a call to action. “That’s why we are here tonight — to make sure the arts stay accessible and continue to inspire, uplift and transform our community for generations to come.”

Fred and Lisa Koetting were honored for their ongoing commitment to Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, which began in 2007. Last year, their generosity took on new meaning when they pledged to match all donations — up to $25,000 — for The Pavilion’s year-end giving campaign.

“What truly sets Fred and Lisa apart isn’t just the number of ways they give back,” Young said. “It’s the heart and spirit with which they do it.”

That generosity continued into the evening’s live auction, led by crowd favorite Pat Tully. Supporters bid on golf trips, concert packages, luxury vacations and chef-prepared dinners — rounding out a night filled with purpose, performance and philanthropy.