Photos by: Katy Anderson

The Lone Star Flight Museum (LSFM)was electrified with glowing lights and great dance music while guests dressed in fabulous creative cocktail attire, celebrated the museum’s successes and big plans for 2023. The annual fundraising event was attended by generous Houston donors and supporters who contributed to raising nearly $650,000 to support STEM-related programs and the museum’s educational mission and exhibits. The event was underwritten by the James C. & Teresa K. Day Foundation.

Freddy Cruz, local Houston radio personality, served as Master of Ceremonies. Event co-chairs Mary and David Novelli and Kim and Brett Williams led the evening that included a wine pull, big board auction, paddle raise, a spirited live auction and delectable dinner, dancing and cocktails.

Guests were welcomed with a cocktail hour featuring delicious hors d’oeuvres and were invited to wander the museum, step inside aircraft, and experience a virtual plane ride. The Events Company created a breathtaking setting in the Heritage Hangar with spotlights on historic planes and NASA artifacts for guests to enjoy while dining on a gourmet meal by City Kitchen which was topped off by dessert stations in the museum.

The formal program began with a video chronicling the impact the museum has had with schools in the Greater Houston area through its STEM programs that are based in aviation. The video also highlighted how the added support from area corporations like H-E-B has expanded the museum’s reach. LSFM President and Chief Executive Officer Lt. Gen. Doug Owens (USAF, retired) also spoke on the achievements of the museum and the exciting plans for the coming year, including new exhibits and hands-on experiences.

Excitement ramped up when auctioneer Rusty Mertink and his team began the paddles up and the live auction, which featured trips to Carmel-by-the-Sea, Jackson Hole, New Orleans, and Martha’s Vineyard along with fine dining experiences, art pieces, custom boots, sports packages, and more.

Some of the attendees included: Dr. Bonnie Dunbar and Joyce Abbey, Wesley and Lucy Minchew, Lyzette and Jesse Ruiz, Don and Rachel Hooper, Jason Ryan, Allison McIntyre and Steven Tylie, event co-chairs David and Mary Novelli with Kim and Brett Williams, and Museum President & CEO Doug Owens with Joan Skipper.