The Lone Star Flight Museum (LSFM) will bring the spirit of New Orleans to Houston during its annual fundraising gala, Jet Setters Ball: Destination New Orleans, on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026. The black-tie event will celebrate the museum’s supporters while raising funds to preserve Texas aviation history, expand exhibits and support STEM education programs for students across the Houston area.

Lisa and Jerry Simon
Photo Courtesy of Lone Star Flight Museum

 

Gala chairs Donna and Matthew Noll and honorary chairs Cheryl Bobblitt King and Bill King will welcome guests as the museum honors Lisa and Jerry Simon for their transformational impact and longtime commitment to the Lone Star Flight Museum and the Greater Houston community.

The evening will include museum supporters, sponsors, elected officials and community leaders alongside Anna Hawley, LSFM president and chief executive officer, and David Novelli, LSFM board chair.

This year’s theme, Destination New Orleans, will celebrate the culture, music and traditions of the Crescent City, a destination with special meaning for the evening’s honorees. The museum will be transformed with New Orleans-inspired décor, entertainment and cuisine, creating an immersive experience featuring the sounds and flavors associated with the birthplace of jazz.

Guests will enjoy a reception, dinner, live entertainment, and live and silent auctions. Acclaimed musician and performer Michael Cavanaugh will headline the evening’s entertainment.

Jerry Simon, a veteran and respected business leader, has built a distinguished career with Northern Trust, where he was recently appointed Regional Director of Texas. He also served more than two decades on the Lone Star Flight Museum’s Board of Directors, contributing his leadership and expertise to the museum’s growth.

Lisa Simon has also built a distinguished career in banking, business and philanthropy. She currently serves as president of the Joella and Stewart Morris Foundation and has been recognized for her commitment to supporting organizations and initiatives that benefit the community.

Proceeds from the Jet Setters Ball will support the Lone Star Flight Museum’s aircraft collection, exhibitions, preservation efforts and STEM education programs that reach thousands of Houston-area students each year.

Located at Ellington Airport in Houston, the Lone Star Flight Museum is dedicated to preserving and celebrating Texas aviation history while inspiring future generations through interactive exhibits, historic aircraft and educational programming. The museum’s collection includes historically significant aircraft that showcase the evolution of aviation and the contributions of Texas aviators, engineers and innovators.

The Jet Setters Ball: Destination New Orleans will begin at 6:30 p.m. Central Time on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026. Sponsorships are available beginning at $5,000 for tables of 10.

For more information, visit: https://lonestarflight.org/jetsettersball/