A Medieval Knight in the Park
29th Annual Park Lovers’ Ball
+9 A Medieval Knight in the Park
29th Annual Park Lovers’ Ball
A Medieval Knight in the Park
29th Annual Park Lovers’ Ball
A Medieval Knight in the Park
29th Annual Park Lovers’ Ball
A Medieval Knight in the Park
29th Annual Park Lovers’ Ball
A Medieval Knight in the Park
29th Annual Park Lovers’ Ball
A Medieval Knight in the Park
29th Annual Park Lovers’ Ball
A Medieval Knight in the Park
29th Annual Park Lovers’ Ball
A Medieval Knight in the Park
29th Annual Park Lovers’ Ball
A Medieval Knight in the Park
29th Annual Park Lovers’ Ball
A Medieval Knight in the Park
29th Annual Park Lovers’ Ball
A Medieval Knight in the Park
29th Annual Park Lovers’ Ball
A Medieval Knight in the Park
29th Annual Park Lovers’ Ball
Close to 600 West University Place neighbors and friends gathered for “A Medieval Knight in the Park”. The 29th annual Park Lovers’ Ball raised over $490,000! Event co-chairs Mary Frances & David DuMay and Kimberly & John Carr Eads, were delighted to greet guests arriving in their devoted, small town fashion within this huge city. The event honored loyal and generous Friends supporter IBC Bank. The President of IBC Houston, Jeff Samples, was amongst the attendees to accept the acknowledgement. IBC Houston has played a monumental role in the success of Friends’ fundraising efforts year after year.
The decor was truly stunning and transported guests to another time, invoking all the effervescence and regality of the period in theme. The whiskey blackjack portion of the room was as abuzz as the silent auction set up. This highly fashionable crowd’s biggest struggle was saying hello to their closest of friends while maintaining their highest bidder status on the coveted auction lineup. The event was emceed by the dazzling Ilona Carson of ABC 13.
The live auction featured some exceptional items including a beach house in Galveston, an Argentinian Dove Hunt, a trip to Napa, and a full week’s stay at a beautiful chalet in Breckenridge. The event chairs credit the success of “A Medieval Knight in the Park” to their team of steadfast and meticulous volunteers. The auction co-chairs were Laura Avila and Elizabeth Rambin. Underwriting and sponsorship co-chairs were Lindley Arnoldy and Emily Yardley. Rounding out the captivating atmosphere were the décor co-chairs, Lauren Droubi and Kelly Beth Hapgood.
The evening concluded with everyone on the dance floor as Infinite Groove kept all in attendance on their feet until midnight. Mary Frances & David DuMay and Kimberly & John Carr Eads, along with Friends Executive Director, Donna LaMond, and Friends Chair, Sami Morrison, would like to thank all who attended and helped make Park Lovers’ Ball 2020 an unforgettable fundraising community event. The evening’s sponsors and underwriters included Cherie and John Lindley/Mandy Rochelle Designs, IBC Bank, Valobra Master Jewelers, Greenwood King Properties, Carol Rowley, Compass Real Estate/Laura U Design Collective, Children’s Memorial Hermann Urgent Care, Conway MacKenzie, Jones Day, Kirkland & Ellis, Jane and Harry Pefanis, Whitney & March Walsh/Mitra & Josh Woody, John Daugherty Realtors, Elite Care Emergency Center, New Leaf Real Estate, Brigid and Brett Bingham, DeDe and Will Bertron, Cammarata Pediatric Dentistry, Kirsten and Rob Galtney, Lynn and Graham Gordon, Sruba and Raj Guharoy, Kathleen and Travis Johnson, Locke Lord LLP, Stephanie and Brett Magill, Keller Williams Realty – Metropolitan Office, Bree Knodel – Stewart Title Kirby/The Swallen Mortgage Team, Laura and George Turley, Vinson & Elkins, The Woman’s Hospital of Texas, Rice Village, and Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty. Thank you also to the many other generous underwriters and sponsors who contributed to the success of the event and who are listed on the Friends website, westuparks.org.
The Friends of West University Parks Fund is a volunteer based 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to raising funds for the renovation, expansion, development and improvement of parks and green spaces in the neighborhood parks of the City of West University Place. The board is appointed by City Council and raises money through foundation grants, citizens’ bequests, memorials, special events and various other programs and events including partnerships with local businesses.
PHOTO CREDIT:
Katy Anderson Photography