On Thursday, March 21, Trees For Houston’s Root Ball, presented by Phillips 66, celebrated La Dolce Vita – the good life. And with Trees For Houston committed to planting and distributing nearly 800,000 trees through the region, our urban greenspace adds much value to “the good life.” The annual event hosted more than 400 tree-loving Houstonians and raised an impressive $485,000 to support Trees For Houston’s mission to plant, protect, and promote trees throughout the Greater Houston area. Despite the soggy weather, guests were all smiles and came prepared with umbrellas and patio friendly shoes. After all, this crowd appreciates the importance of rain for tree growth.
Chairs Christiane and Kristopher Stuart / Carrie and Jerry Alexander celebrated with guests at the 30th Annual Root Ball which had an Amalfi Coast theme…casual, bright, and breezy. Dressed in coastal chic attire, guests were welcomed with wild mushroom and truffle arancini, and prosciutto wrapped melon appetizers, along with Aperol spritzes. Attendees eagerly participated in the wine and spirits pull, sponsored by Debbie and Mark Gregg. Among the 100 bottles were high-end labels like Garrison Brothers Bourbon. But all eyes were drawn to the exquisite, rare bottle of Opus One. Another fundraiser was the Necklace Raffle sponsored by Zadok Jewelers. Raffle purchasers were treated to a festive Lemon Drop martini sponsored by Gentle Bens featuring their Vodka label.
Guests moved to a transformed clay court for dinner under yellow and white striped draping. Stunning florals underwritten by H-E-B and Jenny Elkins, the ambiance and decor, executed by Swift + Co., were naturally stunning. Native trees surrounded the guests as they dined on chicken caprese, herb crusted beef filet, gnocchi, artichoke au gratin, and roast vegetable medley. For dessert, mini desserts were shared by the table and gourmet coffee drinks (sponsored by Walter P Moore) were passed as the video presentation brought the crowd to applaud the success of Trees For Houston. Paddles were raised to further support the organization – and the goal of $70,000 was easily met.
Trees For Houston gives appreciation to Clark Condon Landscape Architecture as the print materials sponsor, which included all event signage and the printed programs at each guest’s seat.
Following dinner, guests continued mingling and sipping as the Grooves Band entertained guests with lively music, sponsored by Jenny and Larry Nettles.
Guests and friends celebrated the accomplishments of the past year. In October, the organization opened the Kinder Campus, Trees For Houston’s new headquarters including the Kyle and John Kirksey Center, Chevron Tree Farm and Bauer Education Center, all while increasing its annual tree planting and distribution numbers to a staggering 70,000+ trees.
Before departing, event goers picked up an olive tree to plant at home, then headed toward valet, where a sweet Italian treat was waiting in each car underwritten by Valet sponsor, Gensler.
