Asia Society Texas’ 2022 Tiger Ball Raises Record $1.6 Million

The crazy winds and Houston’s bipolar weather couldn’t dampen the Tiger Ball. It was a star-studded lineup, Asia Society Texas’ Tiger Ball 2022 commemorated the 10th anniversary of the opening of its center and raised over $1.6 million, a record for the organization’s event. Led by Ball Chairs Leigh and Reggie Smith and Tripp Carter, the event on March 11 celebrated Honorary Ball Chairs Nancy C. Allen and Anne and Albert Chao for their enduring commitment to building cross-cultural friendships and visionary spirit that made the Texas Center possible. In special recognition of the center’s 10th anniversary, Tiger Ball 2022 also celebrated three “Trailblazers” – visual artist Tiffany Chung, astronaut Soichi Noguchi, and Chancellor of the University of Houston Renu Khator – whose contributions to our community embody Asia Society’s mission to celebrate vibrant cultures and diverse perspectives through art, education, and global partnerships. The gala’s proceeds support Asia Society Texas’ efforts to advance cross-cultural understanding and build a more inclusive community.

The event kicked off with a special champagne toast inside the Asia Society Texas Center for the organization’s closest friends and family to raise a glass to the gala’s leadership and celebrate the honored “Trailblazers.” After a warm welcome from the Ball Chairs, ASTX President, Bonna Kol presented Ms. Allen and Mr. and Ms. Chao with chic and deeply meaningful awards to acknowledge their significant support for the organization. Made by artist Michael Aram, the unique pieces featured black irises which are symbolic of wisdom, courage, and admiration.

More than 600 guests gathered inside the Gala Pavilion, into an elegant sea of red and gold executed beautifully by Bergner and Johnson. A gentle mist, intended to mimic the Texas Center’s Water Garden Terrace, emanated from a resplendent water wall topped with forsythia branches at one end of the room. The evening was transformed into a magical atmosphere with floating candles suspended from oak trees above tables laden with exquisite arrangements of red roses, tulips, anemones, ranunculus, and hydrangeas.

During the cocktail hour, guests enjoyed wagyu tataki with spring radishes and carrots and duck crepes with hoisin and scallions while dancers from Dance of Asian America, engaged with guests through demonstrations of traditional Chinese dance techniques.

Guests were then treated to a sumptuous dinner by City Kitchen featuring a seared miso-glazed sea bass with white soy and red pepper threads, accompanied by forbidden rice and heirloom cauliflower with mustard seeds and ginger. Following dinner, guests enjoyed a variety of desserts while celebrating on the dance floor with music provided by DJ ALX of Karma DJs.

In addition to the Honorary Ball Chairs, Ball Chairs, and “Trailblazers,” special guests included Durga & Sushila Agrawal, Leslie & Brad Bucher, Ann & Jay Cuclis, Lily & Charles Foster, Kathy & Glen Gondo, Kathy & Marty Goossen, Pooja Goradia & Ravi Purohit, David Harvey, Chinhui Juhn & Eddie Allen, Melanie Lawson & John Guess, Sultana & Moez Mangalji, Shazma & Arshad Matin, Duyen & Marc Nguyen, Susmita and Syamal Poddar, Sylvia & Gordon Quan, David Ruiz, Sue & Randy Sim, Y. Ping Sun & David Leebron, Starlee Sykes and Al Vickers, Selma & Mustafa Tameez, Tuu and Jim Teague, Ileana & Michael Trevino, Janae & Kenny Tsai, Stephanie & Frank Tsuru, Michelle & Rishi Varma, and Lynn Wyatt.

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 2023 and will honor Kathy and Glen Gondo.

Tiger Ball 2022: Commemorating the 10th Anniversary of Asia Society Texas Center’s Opening on Friday, March 11, 2022, at Asia Society Texas Center. Photo by Daniel Ortiz.