She dreamed aloud of objectives so excessive, With ardour shining in her eye.
So started the tribute to Heidi Rockecharlie, president of the Houston Symphony League, through the annual President’s Luncheon. Held within the shimmering ballroom of Lakeside Nation Membership, the occasion — this yr themed Bienvenue à Versailles — blended regal French thrives with a heartfelt spirit, and capped a record-breaking season with flourish and aptitude.
League supporters turned out in full modern pressure, with chairs Beth Wolff and Saula Valente orchestrating a picturesque après-midi amid lavender-and-white floral candelabras by Merely Saula. The ambiance struck a fragile chord: Equal elements class and intimacy. Visitors laughed, mingled, and clinked glasses, whereas the hosts alternated verses from a custom-written poem that honored Rockecharlie’s tenure. It was each lighthearted and lyrical, identical to its muse.
She led with coronary heart, with fireplace, with aptitude. And left her legacy in every single place.
The spotlight, as at all times, got here with the president’s tackle, when Rockecharlie shared the yr’s monetary present to the Symphony: A donation of greater than $193,000 internet of bills.
That determine is due to a collection of strategic strikes below Rockecharlie’s management: A price-cutting sponsorship program, enlargement of the league’s icon occasion, and a contemporary push for membership.
She mentioned, “Let’s develop, let’s goal anew.” And guess what? That dream got here true
She then handed the baton to incoming president Leslie Nossaman, who previewed her board and imaginative and prescient for the upcoming time period. And Donna Mello, 2024’s Ellen Kelley Volunteer of the Yr, launched this yr’s honoree, Susan Osterberg.
The celebration closed with an avalanche of gratitude and items. Rockecharlie obtained a magnum of Le Chemin du Roi Champagne by 50 Cent, a Hermes Brides de Gala en Fleurs scarf, and a crystal award that includes paintings from the Icon occasion.
Amongst these within the crowd have been Farida Abjani, Hallie Vanderhider, Ellie Francisco, Lesha Elsenbrook, Betty Tutor, Alicia Maguire Smith, Heidi Turney, Andrew Cordes, Kathi Rovere, Diane Gendel, Sharon Brier, Jerre Parsons Williams, Diane Roederer, Susan Binney, Kinga Ferguson, Elizabeth Condit, Helen Shaffer, Mary Sage, Anna Dean, Astrid Van Dyke, Cheryl Byington, Kim Padgett, Nick Rockecharlie, Yoon Smith, and Danny Nguyen.
