The Noir Ball: A Celebration of Haunted Elegance

Children's Museum Houston conjures $1.14 million at gothic glamour gala—second-highest total in its spellbinding history!

Chaired by Whitney and Ryan Burns and Allison and Iván Chávez

Underwriting chaired by Kathryn and Travis Boeker and Cassandra and Ryan Dalton

HOUSTON (Oct. 29, 2024) —Children’s Museum Houston’s “Noir Ball: A Celebration of Haunted Elegance” was a night to remember, filled with dark allure, gothic glamour, and generous hearts.  On Oct. 26, 2024, nearly 500 of the city’s most spellbound patrons gathered at The Corinthian in Downtown Houston to raise an astounding $1.14 million—the second-highest total in the Museum’s history—to support its mission of transforming communities through innovative child-centered learning that improves the trajectories of all children.

Chaired by Whitney and Ryan Burns and Allison and Iván Chávez and with underwriting chairs Kathryn and Travis Boeker and Cassandra and Ryan Dalton, the Noir Ball dripped with mystery and elegance, with giant crystal chandeliers casting an eerie glow, while candelabras flickered across tables adorned with caged roses. From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere was nothing short of bewitching. Attendees donned their finest dark attire—lace veils, horns, feathers, and sweeping black gowns—as they entered a world shrouded in gothic chic, a creative vision of Bergner & Johnson Design. A grand fountain, filled with rose petals and candles, produced a thick, haunting fog that floated through the air, creating an atmosphere so eerie you could almost feel the spirits stirring.  

At one point, the night was struck by a thunderous surprise—thunder and lightning crashed dramatically, adding to the night’s wicked fun.  Even dessert cast a spell, with decadent candles made of cake which ignited the darkly sweet cravings of every guest. The entire feast, curated by the renowned Jackson & Company, was a culinary masterpiece fit for creatures of the night, ensuring no one left hungry—or unenchanted.

The night’s entertainment was just as electrifying.  The Spazmatics brought the house down with their ‘80s covers, conjuring everyone onto the dance floor for ahigh-energy throwback which left no soul sitting. Guests danced under the chandeliers’ glow, channeling their inner creatures of the night, making the ballroom feel more like an enchanted mansion.

To top off the eerie atmosphere, iconic characters Maleficent, Dracula, and Wednesday Addams roamed the room, adding to the night’s gothic charm. But it wasn’t all just dark fun—the live and silent auctions chaired by Devorah Krieger and Elizabeth McIngvale-Mackey added excitement, with stunning prizes that guests couldn’t resist.  Live auction highlights included:  

• A stunning 1.08 carat diamond necklace from Thomas Markle Jewelers.
• The Dinner Party of the Year for 24 inside The Corinthian’s historic vault, complete with a custom menu by Jackson & Co., and gorgeous centerpieces by Bergner & Johnson Design.  
• An extravagant Costa Rica penthouse getaway.
• A private jet departure, generously donated by Jackie and Gary Richert.
• Glittering 14K white gold, princess cut 4 carats diamond earrings from Lark & Berry.  
• Two adorable Labrador Retriever/Pointer mix rescue puppies, donated by K-9 Angels Rescue, who found their forever homes.  
• A magical Night at Children’s Museum Houston, where imagination takes over after hours.

The room buzzed with excitement as paddles flew into the air for these extraordinary items, but one of the night’s most thrilling moments came during the “Last Paddle Standing” showdown. Guests competed fiercely for a stunning bangle donated by Zadok Jewelers, and in the end, Yana Rodilosso emerged victorious, proudly claiming her prize.

The evening’s raffle added to the excitement, with one lucky winner walking away with a pair of handcrafted 18KT white gold filigree rings encrusted with diamonds, courtesy of Valobra Master Jewelers—a shimmering treasure fit for the most stylishly wicked.

All proceeds from this wicked affair will help Children’s Museum Houston provide life-changing learning experiences, enriching exhibits and educational programming to over 1.3 million visitors and outreach participants annually.