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HOUSTON, March 5, 2024 — Asia Society Texas’ (AST) Tiger Ball 2024 raised approximately $1.5 million while honoring community leaders Sabria and Kevin Lewis for their lifelong commitment to building bridges of international understanding and strengthening Houston’s cultural vibrancy. Led by Ball Chairs Chinhui and Eddie Allen and Heidi and David Gerger, alongside Honorary Chairs Sultana and Moez Mangalji and Sue and Randy Sim, the stunning event on March 1 welcomed 550 guests into a modern and sparkling celebration of Asia. Proceeds from the gala support AST’s efforts to celebrate vibrant cultures and diverse perspectives and to build a more inclusive community.

The special evening began with a champagne toast inside the Asia Society Texas Center for the organization’s closest friends and family to raise a glass to the gala’s honorees and leadership. Following the warm welcome by Board Chair Y. Ping Sun, Ball Chairs Heidi and David Gerger toasted the honorees sharing with the crowd their admiration for the couple. After remarks from President Bonna Kol, Ball Chairs Chinhui and Eddie Allen presented Mr. and Mrs. Lewis with an elegant, fluted silver bowl by Beatriz Ball in appreciation for their sustained commitment to enriching Houston’s cultural landscape.

As guests arrived for the main event, they were greeted by dhol drummers stationed outside the Gala Pavilion. Inside, the Pavilion was adorned in chic shades of blue, green, silver, and gold punctuated by white geometric floral arrangements featuring calla lilies, tulips, hydrangeas, and freesia ­— all arranged by the talented team at Prashe Décor. Taking up a large portion of the AST parking lot, the Pavilion encompassed the area’s live trees decorated with lush greenery and bright yellow flowers to appear in peak spring bloom. Floating over the dinner tables were long, mirrored glass sculptures echoing the skyscrapers found in some of Asia’s most dazzling cities.

During the cocktail hour, guests enjoyed bites inspired by the diverse flavors of Asia including soy- and sake-braised short ribs with a fermented black bean relish and gochujang sauce, deviled quail eggs with tahini and za’atar, and fried eggplant medallions with jumbo lump crab and kaffir lime crème fraiche. Guests perused a variety of luxurious silent auction items such as two Harry Winston timepieces including an Avenue C Mini special edition set in white gold featuring diamonds on a dark blue alligator strap and a Midnight 39mm set in white gold on a dark blue alligator strap; first-class United airfare for two plus a three-night stay at the luxurious Hilton Santa Monica; and original artworks by both Tsherin Sherpa and Richard Tinkler.

Guests were then treated to an exquisite dinner by City Kitchen featuring a lemongrass soup with chili oil and shrimp fritter followed by miso-glazed sea bass with daikon and roasted garlic puree as well as sauteed bok choy and shiitake mushrooms. 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 honorees and event leadership, special guests included Nancy C. Allen, Durga & Sushila Agrawal, Leslie & Brad Bucher, Tripp Carter, Theresa & Peter Chang, Anne & Albert Chao, China & Roberto Contreras IV, Ann & Jay Cuclis, Donna Fujimoto Cole, Lily & Charles Foster, Glen & Kathy Gondo, Kathy & Marty Goossen, David Harvey, Farhina & Mohsin Imtiaz, Petra Martinez, Gordon Quan, Leigh & Reggie Smith, Y. Ping Sun & David Leebron, Janae & Ken Tsai, Michelle & Rishi Varma, Asha & Farid Virani, Margaret Alkek Williams & David Wuthrich, and Shiang Ling & George Yang.

A full complement of top-shelf talent created this year’s Tiger Ball, including Aztec Events & Tents, GTX Productions, Prashe Décor, with catering by City Kitchen, and DJing by DJ Alx of Karma DJs.

Proceeds from Tiger Ball support Asia Society Texas Center’s 125+ public programs each year. Next year’s Tiger Ball will be held on March 7, 2025, and will honor Y. Ping Sun and David Leebron.

View more photos on Flickr.

Press Coverage

Tiger Ball's a Roaring Good Time — to the Tune of $1.5 Mil! Houston CityBook, March 6, 2024.
Houston’s $1.5 Million Night of Global Celebration — Asia Society’s Beloved Tiger Ball Reaches Stunning New Heights, Paper City, March 8, 2024.

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.