A Night to Remember: Tiger Ball 2025
The highly anticipated Tiger Ball 2025, hosted by Asia Society Texas, was a night to remember. On Friday, March 7, Houston’s A-listers gathered at the Asia Society Texas Center, transformed into a Shanghai-inspired wonderland, to raise a record-breaking $1.73 million. This impressive amount will undoubtedly bolster the organization’s cultural offerings, further enriching the community.
Honoring Global Citizens
The evening paid tribute to two of Houston’s most respected global citizens, Y. Ping Sun and David Leebron. Their leadership has significantly strengthened the city’s international connections, making them a fitting pair to honor at an event that celebrates cross-cultural exchange. The 600 elegant guests, mostly clad in radiant red, stepped into a sea of red and gold splendor, creating a truly opulent atmosphere.
A Night of Elegance and Fun
Applause goes to ball chairs Shawn Stephens and Jim Jordan, and Michelle and Rishi Varma, alongside honorary chairs Nancy C. Allen, Anne and Albert Chao, and Margaret Alkek Williams. Board chair Marty Goossen praised the honorees for their unwavering commitment to fostering understanding and friendship. Bonna Kol, alongside Stephens and Jordan, presented Sun and Leebron with a stunning Auratic fine bone porcelain tea set with 24K gold accents, a symbolic nod to their dedication to global connection.
A Shanghai Dreamscape in Houston
As guests arrived for the main event, a vibrant lineup of Hanfu performers and the rhythmic beats of traditional drummers welcomed them to the pavilion. Inside the tented pavilion, designed by Prashe Décor, the space shimmered in rich crimson and gold, with suspended lanterns, lush red bougainvillea, and flowing drapery enveloping guests in a vision straight from an old-world tearoom.
Silent Auction and Dinner
A silent auction tempted bidders with a Harry Winston Midnight Monochrome timepiece, a five-night Telluride retreat, Paris Fashion Week tickets, and a private tour of The Met’s Japanese art collection. Dinner, presented by City Kitchen, continued the indulgence with five-spice roasted duck, pan-seared sea bass with XO sauce, and scallion-braised fava beans.
Dancing the Night Away
With dinner plates cleared and desserts enjoyed, the dance floor called. DJ Alx of Karma DJs kept the energy boisterous as revelers celebrated a night of cultural immersion. Notable attendees included Shiang Ling and George Yang, who will be honored at next year’s Tiger Ball on March 6, 2026. Among the 600 guests were Durga and Sushila Agrawal, Leslie and Brad Bucher, Gracie and Bob Cavnar, Theresa and Peter Chang, China and Roberto Contreras, Molly and James Crownover, Jay Cuclis, Donna Fujimoto Cole, Aimee and Craig DiTomasso, Lily and Charles Foster, Kathy Gondo, Kathy and Marty Goossen, Marie and Vijay Goradia, Dr. Mikki Hebl and David Harvey, Mohsin Imtiaz, Renu and Suresh Khator, Kelley and Steve Lubanko, Sabria and Kevin Lewis, Sultana Mangalji, Petra Martinez, Gordon Quan, Sue and Randy Sim, Leigh and Reggie Smith, Anne-Laure and Steve Stephens, Phoebe and Bobby Tudor, Stephanie and Frank Tsuru, and Shiang Ling and George Yang.
Conclusion
The Tiger Ball 2025 was a resounding success, raising a record-breaking amount and bringing together Houston’s A-listers for a night of cultural immersion and fun. The event’s opulent Shanghai-inspired setting, complete with stunning decorations, delicious food, and exciting entertainment, made for an unforgettable evening. As Asia Society Texas continues to promote cross-cultural exchange and understanding, events like the Tiger Ball 2025 serve as a testament to the power of community and the importance of fostering global connections.
