Houston Was Moonstruck

The Lone Star Flight Museum held its “Moonstruck: 2019 Blue Skies Gala” on Saturday, May 18th at The Revaire. Over 500 guests raised more than $700,000 to support the organization’s STEM-related programs and the Museum’s educational mission.

Margaret Alkek Williams served as Honorary Gala Chair. Janine Iannarelli, Founder and President of Par Avion Ltd., and Bette Thomas and husband Ralph Thomas, a Lone Star Flight Museum Board Member, were recognized as Gala Co-Chairs.

Khambrel Marshall from KPRC-TV, Channel 2, served as Master of Ceremonies. On behalf of Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Keith Graf, Executive Director of the Department of Military Preparedness, Office of the Governor, read a greeting to all of the guests. Janine Iannarelli presented Margaret Alkek Williams with a certificate assigning her an honorary star in the constellation Virgo.

A tribute video, highlighting the military service, public office, Presidency, and philanthropy of President George H.W. Bush was featured. His longtime support of the Museum was recognized as instrumental in developing the Museum into what it is today.

Former Astronaut Dr. Bonnie J. Dunbar, also a Museum Board Member, recognized special guest Gene Kranz who played a key role in the Apollo Space Program. Krantz attended the Gala, in part, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo Program and the first manned mission to land on the Moon on July 20, 1969.

The Museum also honored Houston-based Universal Weather and Aviation for its contributions to the private aviation sector and for delivering humanitarian aid following Hurricane Harvey. CEO Ralph Vasami was presented with the Blue Skies Company of Distinction Award.

Guests were treated to assorted wines, champagne, cocktails, and a gourmet three-course dinner and dancing while the talented Richard Brown Orchestra provided entertainment.

Rusty Mertink served as auctioneer for paddles up and the live auction, which featured a Harley Davidson “Fat Boy” motorcycle along with dining experiences, sports packages and travel.

Gala co-chairs Bette Thomas, Ralph Thomas (museum board member) and Janine Iannarelli – Photo by PWL Studio

Master of ceremonies KPRC-TV, Channel 2 Khambrel Marshall and Lone Star Flight Museum youth ambassador Marshall Calderon – Photo by PWL Studio

Honorary chair Margaret Alkek Williams, Lt. General Doug Owens (retired), Lone Star Flight Museum President and CEO, and Teresa Owens – Photo by Daniel Ortiz Photography

Lone Star Flight Museum’s chief operating officer Chris Richardson presenting the Blue Skies Company of Distinction Award to Ralph Vasami, the CEO of Universal Weather and Aviation

Gala supporters Christina Deajon, Trini Mendenhall, and Regina Garcia – Photo by PWL Studio

Marta Kranz, Lone Star Flight Museum president and CEO Lt. General Doug Owens (retired) and Gene Kranz, former flight director in the Apollo space program – Photo by PWL Studio