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HOUSTON, March 14, 2022 — With a star-studded lineup, Asia Society Texas’ Tiger Ball 2022 commemorated the 10th anniversary of the opening of its center and raised $1.65 million, a record for the organization’s event. Led by Ball Chairs Leigh and Reggie Smith and Tripp Carter, the event on March 11 celebrated Honorary Ball Chairs Nancy C. Allen and Anne and Albert Chao for their enduring commitment to building cross-cultural friendships and visionary spirit that made the Texas Center possible. In special recognition of the center’s 10th anniversary, Tiger Ball 2022 also celebrated three “Trailblazers” – visual artist Tiffany Chung, astronaut Soichi Noguchi, and Chancellor of the University of Houston Renu Khator – whose contributions to our community embody Asia Society’s mission to celebrate vibrant cultures and diverse perspectives through art, education, and global partnerships. The gala’s proceeds support Asia Society Texas’ efforts to advance cross-cultural understanding and build a more inclusive community.

The event kicked off with a special champagne toast inside the Asia Society Texas Center for the organization’s closest friends and family to raise a glass to the gala’s leadership and celebrate the honored “Trailblazers.” After a warm welcome from the Ball Chairs, ASTX President, Bonna Kol presented Ms. Allen and Mr. and Ms. Chao with chic and deeply meaningful awards to acknowledge their significant support for the organization. Made by artist Michael Aram, the unique pieces featured black irises which are symbolic of wisdom, courage, and admiration.

Inside the Gala Pavilion, over 620 guests were welcomed into an elegant sea of red and gold executed beautifully by Bergner and Johnson. A gentle mist, intended to mimic the Texas Center’s Water Garden Terrace, emanated from a resplendent water wall topped with forsythia branches at one end of the room. Adding a touch of magic to the atmosphere, floating candles were suspended from oak trees above tables laden with exquisite arrangements of red roses, tulips, anemones, ranunculus, and hydrangeas.

During the cocktail hour, guests enjoyed wagyu tataki with spring radishes and carrots and duck crepes with hoisin and scallions while dancers from Dance of Asian America, engaged with guests through demonstrations of traditional Chinese dance techniques. Guests perused a variety of luxurious silent auction items that included a Harry Winston Midnight Automatic 36mm timepiece, artworks by Houston-born artist and MacArthur “genius grant” recipient Mel Chin and British-Iranian artist Kour Pour, two sets of first-class United Airlines airfare to Asia or Europe, and a five-day luxury Fabergé London experience.

Guests were then treated to a sumptuous dinner by City Kitchen featuring a seared miso-glazed sea bass with white soy and red pepper threads, accompanied by forbidden rice and heirloom cauliflower with mustard seeds and ginger. Following dinner, guests enjoyed a variety of desserts while celebrating on the dance floor with music provided by DJ ALX of Karma DJs.

In addition to the Honorary Ball Chairs, Ball Chairs, and “Trailblazers,” special guests included Durga & Sushila Agrawal, Leslie & Brad Bucher, Ann & Jay Cuclis, Lily & Charles Foster, Kathy & Glen Gondo, Kathy & Marty Goossen, Pooja Goradia & Ravi Purohit, David Harvey, Chinhui Juhn & Eddie Allen, Melanie Lawson & John Guess, Sultana & Moez Mangalji, Shazma & Arshad Matin, Duyen & Marc Nguyen, Susmita and Syamal Poddar, Sylvia & Gordon Quan, David Ruiz, Sue & Randy Sim, Y. Ping Sun & David Leebron, Starlee Sykes and Al Vickers, Selma & Mustafa Tameez, Tuu & Jim Teague, Ileana & Michael Trevino, Janae & Kenny Tsai, Stephanie & Frank Tsuru, Michelle & Rishi Varma, and Lynn Wyatt.

A full complement of top-shelf talent created this year’s Tiger Ball, including Aztec Events & Tents, Bergner and Johnson, Bright Star Productions, catering by City Kitchen, and DJ’ing by DJ ALX of Karma DJs.

Proceeds from the Tiger Ball support Asia Society Texas Center’s 150+ public programs each year. Next year’s Tiger Ball will be held in March 2023 and will honor Kathy and Glen Gondo.

View more photos on Flickr.

Press Coverage

2022 LCAHouston’s Top 10 Events To Watch Out For. LCAHouston, January 28, 2022.
Tiger Ball Celebrates ‘Strength and Beauty’ of Diverse Asia, Raises $1.6M at Glam, Tented Affair. Houston CityBook, March 14, 2022.
Houston's Asia Society leaps back with record-breaking $1.6M Tiger Ball. CultureMap, March 18, 2022.
Inside a $1.6 Million Houston Night — This Tiger Ball Brings a Roaring Record-Setting Dazzle for the Asia Society. PaperCity, March 18, 2022.
Asia Society Texas’ 2022 Tiger Ball Raises Record $1.6 Million. LCAHouston, March 23, 2022.

About Asia Society Texas

Asia Society Texas believes in the strength and beauty of diverse perspectives and people. As an educational institution, we advance cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. Spanning the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, our programming is rooted in the educational and cultural development of our community — trusting in the power of art, dialogue, and ideas to combat bias and build a more inclusive society.