February 23, 2023 at 6:30 pm

Gala on the Green®

PRESENTED BY
H-E-B_logo.svg

Honoring Barry Mandel, Park President and Susanne Theis, Programming Director

Discovery Green Conservancy’s biennial gala returns in 2023 to celebrate its 15th anniversary and the civic leadership, vision, and vibrant cultural diversity that transformed surface parking lots into one of the most iconic places in America.

Proceeds from the fundraiser support the Conservancy’s free programming and maintenance of this premier green oasis.

Gala on the Green presented by H-E-B

When: February 23, 2023 at 6:30 pm

Where: Discovery Green’s Grace Event Lawn

Entrance & Valet: 1002 Avenida de las Americas

Chairs: Kusum and K. Cody Patel

Co-Chairs: Ann and Jonathan Ayre / Dr. Salil Deshpande and Dr. Drew Helmer / Dr. Bela Patel & Matt Hoffman / Staci LaToison / Danielle and Stephen Lee / Sheri and Kwajo Sarfoh

Gala on the Green has reached capacity! Email development@discoverygreen.com to be added to the wait list.

This year’s celebration honors two of Discovery Green’s leaders and staunch advocates of its diverse programming:

Barry Mandel, Park President

For over a decade Barry Mandel has led the Discovery Green Conservancy, sustaining the transformational public space and expanding its impact on the quality of life in Houston by creating experiences filled with magic, wonder and joy for its more than 20 million visitors. Without his leadership Discovery Green’s numerous accomplishments would not have been possible.

Discovery Green, under Barry’s leadership, has grown into a cultural treasure shared by Houstonians from diverse backgrounds, inside the loop and out. It’s the place where Houstonians go to discover Houston.

Barry’s years of leadership, thoughtfulness, collaboration, and unyielding commitment to the vibrancy of Discovery Green transformed downtown and a green oasis where the community connects.

Susanne Theis, Programming Director

Susanne Theis has made profound contributions to the cultural and artistic landscape of Houston throughout her long career.

As programming director for Discovery Green since 2007, Theis shines a light on the diversity creativity that exist in Houston for all to enjoy. In the last 15 years as an outdoor cultural center in the heart of downtown Houston, Discovery Green has been home to 6 permanent art installations and 26 temporary ones. Theis and her team have helped produce more than 10,000 public events, welcomed more than 20 million visitors, and created moments of wonder and magic for countless children. Through her efforts and a keen eye for art and programming, Theis has helped visitors and residents alike discover cultural traditions reflective of Houston, to connect with one another and to fall in love with the city. Her efforts have helped turn Discovery Green into a transformative green space for downtown and an attraction for all to enjoy.

Theis has a deep love for Houston, its artists, and its community. She has spent her career promoting the city’s cultural diversity and talents.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Presenting Sponsor

H-E-B logo

Explore

Renew

Bracewell LLP

Grove Events

John L. Nau, III

 

Connect

The John P. McGovern Foundation

Kusum and K. Cody Patel/ Vitalus Health/ Indus River Ventures

RIDA Development Corp

Play

Lauren Griffith Associates/Hargreaves Jones/Guy Hagstette

 

Grow

Andrew and Nancy Abendshein

Zane and Brady Carruth / Carruth Foundation

Staci LaToison/ Dream Big Ventures

Oshman Foundation

PNC Financial Services Group

Skanska

Savor

American Liberty Hospitality

Ann and Jonathan Ayre

Pam and Murray Brasseux

Garver/Black/Hilyard Family Foundation

Saundria Gray/Jackie Martin/F. Xavier Pena

Greenberg Trauig, LLP

Ice Rink Events

KPRC Channel 2

Audrey and Stan Leong

Shirley Mandel Family

The Franci Neely Foundation

Roxann and Tim Neumann

Judy Nyquist/ Lea Weingarten

Kara and Ulises Vidal

Lorraine Wulfe

Additional Support Provided By:

Kirk and Melissa Boswell Terry and Marilyn Brooks Teresa Demchak Anne Duncan Annie and Campbell Eifler/ Gulf Coast Entertainment Elmore Robert M. Eury Mary Ann and Larry Faulkner CeCe Fowler Ed Blizzard and Diana Garcia Alfredo and Laurie Gutierrez Paul Grossbard Hackett Family Foundation William and Susan Harmeyer Katy and Clyde Hays Julie Long and Gilbert Herrera Mark and Christie Lund Jesse Martinez Edie Mayo and Troy Griffin Roslyn Bazzelle Mitchell and Derrick Mitchell Sonja and Charles Novo Erica O’Brien and Chris Myers Mrs. Pat Oxford Allie Peacock and Chris Pando Sara Selber Anne-Marie and James Tcholakian