February 23, 2023 at 6:30 pm
Gala on the Green®
PRESENTED BY
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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.
Presenting Sponsor
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
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Discovery Green Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that depends on the generosity of park visitors and other friends to maintain the park and to fund the more than 600+ free events held here every year. We welcome gifts of all sizes.
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Discovery Green Reg. U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off.