The Celebration

The beautiful and historic Sabine Street Bridge provided the perfect setting for the 2018 Buffalo Bayou Partnership Gala: Color Outside the Lines, chaired by Ellyn Wulfe. This year, the Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) was thrilled to honor the colorful contributions of Judy Nyquist and Geraldina Wise to BBP and to the vitality and creativity of Houston. As co-chairs of BBP’s public art committee, both women have been instrumental in the renovation of the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern. They are also leading the development of BBP’s robust public art program, which will begin 2019 with a collaborative project with NYC’s High Line.

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The Story

The 550 colorfully clad guests began the evening with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the entry court of The Water Works at Buffalo Bayou Park. Many also toured the Cistern, which was featuring a magnificent art installation created by Carlos Cruz-Diez. From there, attendees moved to the magnificent tent dressed in vibrant lighting that had been erected for the occasion on the Sabine Street Bridge. Playful centrepieces, made from ribbon that reached the top of the tent, graced the tables. Here, guests were seated to enjoy a delicious three-course meal prepared by A Fare Extraordinaire.

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The Moments

Brandon Walker of KPRC 2 Houston warmly greeted guests. He was followed by BBP board chair, Tom Fish, who introduced honorees Judy Nyquist and Geraldina Wise. After the presentation of the honorees, Mayor Sylvester Turner said a few words. Between the second and third course, BBP premiered a breathtaking video highlighting the organization’s ongoing reclamation of the Buffalo Bayou east of downtown Houston. The lively auction, conducted by BBP chair emeritus, Collin Cox, included two first-time experiences: an exclusive cocktail party with Emmaline featuring a private recital by Houston Grand Opera inside the Cistern and an intimate cocktail party from The Dunlavy around the picturesque pond at Lost Lake in Buffalo Bayou Park.

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Approximately $600,000 was raised by the event to fund the continued revitalization, maintenance, and activation of Buffalo Bayou.

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Guests: BBP president, Anne Olson; Sis and Hasty Johnson; Lisa and Jeff Taylor; Polly and Murry Bowden; Judy Tate; Johnny Steele; Bo Fraga; Clayton and Shel Erikson; Guy Hagstette; Carolyn and Chris Dorros; Gaynell Floyd Drexler; Bob Eury; Anne Whitlock and Michael Skelly; Mike Garver; and María Inés Sicardi.

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About Buffalo Bayou Partnership

Since 1986, Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) has been pursuing impactful plans for the 10-mile stretch of Buffalo Bayou from Shepherd Drive to the Port of Houston’s Turning Basin. From spearheading capital projects such as Buffalo Bayou Park, to removing thousands of cubic yards of trash each year, BBP has truly transformed Houston’s historic waterway. Through significant projects, including hike and bike trail development and thoughtful programming, BBP is reclaiming our city’s unique waterfront while at the same time enhancing the quality of life for all Houstonians.