2021 Tiger Ball: Incredible India themed Gala Raises $1.3 Million

The much anticipated Tiger Ball 2021 Incredible India honored global leaders Sultana and Moez Mangalji on June 11 in a vibrant celebration of their philanthropic dedication. The event was led by co-chairs Gracie and Bob Cavnar, Claudia and Roberto Contreras, and Eileen and Kase Lawal. Honorary Chairs included Steve Alvis, Drs. Julie and Marc Boom, Whitney and Jim Crane, Hilda and Greg Curran, Cherie and Jim Flores, Terri and John Havens, Wendy and Jeff Hines, Nidhika and Pershant Mehta, Raquel and Andrew Segal, Asha and Farid Virani, and Brenda and Marc Watts. Proceeds for the evening exceeded expectations, reaching $1.3 million in support of Asia Society Texas’s efforts to advance cross cultural understanding and build a more inclusive community.

Asia Society Texas Center believes in the strength and beauty of diverse perspectives and people. As an educational institution, the organization advances cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world.

While Houstonians are so over the pandemic and the social scene is getting back in full swing over 520 guests were welcomed into a vibrant explosion of color inside the Gala Pavilion featuring fabric-draped walls, a sari-laden ceiling, and a glass wall framing the architectural delight of the Asia Society Texas Center as an exquisite backdrop for the stage. The rich infusion of color continued to the table settings, with floral arrangements of hundreds of different flowers providing the perfect balance of excitement and elegance – all executed beautifully by The Events Company.

The grand evening kick started with a spectacular Bollywood dance performance by dancers from Karmagraphy, a Los Angeles-based entertainment company led by Kavita Rao. Following the performance, co- chairs Gracie and Bob Cavnar and Eileen and Kase Lawal presented honorees Sultana and Moez Mangalji with an exquisite award created by Houston-based artist Fahim Somani. The sculpture was designed in Kufic calligraphy script to read “Sakha,” which means “generosity” in Arabic, with one side mirroring the other to symbolize the generosity of the honorees who have graciously shared their time, talent, and treasures to the benefit of others.

Guests were then treated to a sumptuous dinner by City Kitchen featuring a thali platter of seared seabass with coconut lime curry, chicken tikka masala, saag paneer, green lentil daal, spicy green chutney, and jeera rice. Following dinner, guests enjoyed dessert while celebrating on the dance floor with music provided by DJ Yogi of Karma DJs.

In addition to the Ball honorees, honorary chairs, and co-chairs, special guests included Nancy Allen, Durga & Sushila Agrawal, Laurie & Milton Boniuk, Divya & Chris Brown, Leslie & Brad Bucher, Anne & Albert Chao, Rose Chen & David Webster, Monjula & Ravi Chidambaram, Julie & John Cogan, Roberto & China Contreras, Whitney & Jim Crane, Molly & Jim Crownover, Ann & Jay Cuclis, Lily & Charles Foster, Kathy & Glen Gondo, Kathy & Marty Goossen, The Honorable Abrar H. Hashmi Consul General of Pakistan & Samia Hashmi, Chinhui Juhn & Eddie Allen, Cameron & Morgan Neal, Sylvia & Gordon Quan, Chris & Andi Richardson, David Ruiz, Y. Ping Sun & David Leebron, Starlee Sykes & Al Vickers, Kenny & Janae Tsai, Bobby & Phoebe Tudor, Uwem & Eno Upkong, Margie Van Elten & Joe Blommaert, Mary & Roger Wallace (founding chairman), Bill & Andrea White, Lynn Wyatt, and Shiang-Ling & George Yang.

A full complement of top-shelf talent created this year’s Tiger Ball, including décor, tent, and event production by The Events Company, catering by City Kitchen, and DJ’ing by DJ Yogi of Karma DJs.

Proceeds from the Tiger Ball support Asia Society Texas Center’s 150+ public programs each year. Next year’s Tiger Ball will be held in March 2022, celebrating the 10th anniversary of Asia Society Texas Center’s opening and honoring Nancy C. Allen and Anne & Albert Chao.

Photos by Daniel Ortiz unless otherwise noted.