The Park Ball – Gala in the Glades 2026

It was truly special to see so many members of our community — longtime supporters and new friends alike — gather in the beautiful setting of Clay Family Eastern Glades to celebrate The Park Ball, Memorial Park Conservancy’s Annual Gala.

This year’s gala honored Jim & Whitney Crane and the Astros Golf Foundation for their generosity to the Conservancy and Memorial Park as a whole. For one extraordinary week each year, the Foundation becomes the Conservancy’s neighbor through the Texas Children’s Houston Open—and this year, for the first time, they returned as neighbors once again with The Chevron Championship at Memorial Park Golf Course.

Clay Family Eastern Glades was transformed into an elaborate springtime soirée inspired by the natural beauty of Memorial Park’s one-of-a-kind trees and native blooms. A cathedral style clear-paneled tent welcomed guests into a whimsical setting adorned with vibrant florals, lush greenery, and soft earth tones that mirrored the surrounding landscape. 

Following an elegant cocktail hour, guests sat down for dinner and live music. During the evening’s program, Memorial Park Conservancy Board Chair Veronica Chapa Gorczynski and President & CEO Chris Ballard introduced the event’s honorees and chairs, presenting them with tokens of appreciation. The event was not only a celebration of contributions but also a testament to the power of community coming together for a common cause. 

There were a few surprises in store as well! Each guest received a bespoke “Gala in the Glades 2026” ball cap, and special door prizes given by the Astros Golf Foundation and Memorial Park Conservancy were hidden underneath a random chair at each table. The announcement and the ensuing search caused a merry uproar as the delighted recipients waved their winning envelopes high in the air.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, The Park Ball raised more than $1 million for Memorial Park Conservancy’s general operations, and $20,950 for the Memorial Park Conservancy General Endowment Fund. This support helps make it possible to care for and sustain 1,100 acres of world-class green space in the heart of Houston each and every day. The evening was a meaningful reminder of what Memorial Park represents and the shared commitment that brings us together.

We are especially grateful to our chairs Emily Clay & Bill Schneidau and Mary Kay & Brandt Bowden, as well as our host committee, underwriters, and donors whose leadership helped make the evening so memorable. We already can’t wait for next year!