Black Tie and True Party Animals Add Up to $1.8 Million Houston Night — Zoo Ball Breaks Records in Unique Setting

The Houston Astros’ Game 4 loss to the Atlanta Braves might have cast a cloud over much of Saturday night, but those attending the Houston Zoo “Black and White Ball” could do nothing less than celebrate the event’s record-breaking proceeds of $1.8 million. More than 700 guests opted to lend their support to zoo programs rather than stay at home to view the World Series game. In any event, the game was aired on giant LED screens around the tent perimeter.

While guests are still talking about the amazing revenue earned — applause, applause for chairs Alie and David Pruner — they are also continuing to praise the decor — a glamorous tented setting in the middle of the Houston Zoo, one most appropriate for a Black and White ball. The splendid setting was orchestrated by zoo director of special events Mallett Stafford and Ginger Moon, director of development events and stewardship.

Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead in the draped Masihara Pavilion, which doubled as an elegant ballroom on this night. In two adjacent tents Tivoli lights twinkled beneath the clear tops and reflected off of the black and white dance floor. Profusions of white flowers played against the black and white linens and the alternating black and white chiavari chairs.

As the six-year $150 million fundraising campaign approaches its conclusion in time for the zoo’s 100th anniversary in 2022, Houston Zoo president and CEO Lee Ehmke updated guests on progress of the Galápagos Islands 2.5-acre exhibit, the largest and final of the zoo’s master plan. He also explained how the exhibit enhances the zoo’s efforts to protect the wondrous wildlife of the islands. Humboldt penguins, secured in a climate-controlled environment, will share other space in the exhibit with sea lions, giant tortoises, sharks and more animal life from the islands.

In fact, rights to name two of the penguins went for serious dollars with Beverly and Jim Postl scoring one opportunity for $42,000.

The evening honored Peggy Kostial, Accenture senior managing director US Southwest, who serves on the Houston Zoo board, co-chaired the gala in 2018 and as auction chair of the virtual gala in 2020 thereby helping the zoo  break its previous record funds raised of $1.2 million.

Following the main event, Alex and Daniel Gottschalk and Carina and Brooks Antweil chaired the after-party during which DJ Bad Ash kept the dance floor hopping.

PC Seen: Jenny Elkins, Phoebe and Bobby Tudor, Kathy and Marty Goossen, Myrtle Jones, Cynthia and Mac Walker, Hallie Vanderhider, Sue Chin, Anita O’Shaugnessy and Chris Laquer, Diana and Chase Untermeyer, Fady Armanious and Bill Baldwin, Kristina and Paul Somerville, Lea and Dee Hunt, and Elizabeth and Alan Stein.