Spring Event

A Royal Affair

Charles Dennis, Chair

March 24, 2012
Briar Club
2603 Timmons Lane

The Houston Grand Opera Guild invites you to A Royal Affair, honoring Susan and Ward Pennebaker. Please join us Saturday, March 24, 2012 at the Briar Club on Timmons Lane for an unforgettable evening of beautiful music, delicious food, and engaging entertainment. This event serves as the 2012 annual fundraiser to help us continue providing valuable volunteers and support for Houston Grand Opera and its world-class programs for young artists.

Entertainment will include casino gaming and performances by HGO Studio Artists. In addition, this year’s silent auction will provide the opportunity to bid on first class airline tickets, classic dining experiences, unique gift selections, and much more.

This event honors long-time supporters and former Presidents of the Guild Susan and Ward Pennebaker. Susan and Ward are long-time supporters of HGO. Their involvement has grown since their first subscription series 20 years ago and both are now members of the Guild and the HGO Leadership Council. In addition, their responsibilities have included Ward's service on the HGO Board of Directors, Chairmanship of the Marketing and Communications Committee, and his position as an HGO Trustee. Susan has also served as an HGO Trustee, and she and Ward served as Guild Co-Presidents from 2003- 2006. The Pennebakers were honored by the HGO Guild in 2002 as “Volunteers of the Year” and in 2003 as "Partners in Excellence" by Opera Volunteers International.

Please visit our Scrapbook for photos from the 2011 Spring Event.

If we receive your response by February 4, you will enjoy an invitation to the February 6 wine tasting. We encourage you to consider sponsoring a table for your family and friends, underwrite a segment of the event, or make a donation to the Guild Studio Alumni Fund. For ticket purchases, sponsorship commitments, and donations totaling $250 or more, you will receive recognition in the formal invitation and the event program.

Single Tickets

$500 Prince Don Carlos ($1000 casino scrip)
$250 Elisabeth de Valois ($500 casino scrip)
$125 Princess Eboli (Includes $250 casino scrip)

Tables of 10

$5000 Mary, Queen of Scots ($10000 casino scrip; Elizabeth I benefits plus two tickets to a dress rehearsal)
$2000 King Phillipe of Spain ($5000 casino scrip; Elizabeth I benefits plus invitation to Cast Closing reception)
$1000 Elizabeth I ($2500 casino scrip; table photography)

(The fair market value is $85 per person.)

Sponsorship Opportunities

$1000 Event Underwriter
$500 Entertainment Underwriter
$250 “Heads Will Roll” Casino Underwriter
$175 Studio Artist Underwriter

Donation to Guild Studio Alumni Fund in honor of Susan and Ward Pennebaker ($1000, $500, $200, $100, or $50)

To register online, use our On-Line Registration Form.

To register by mail, download the Registration Form, and mail to Pat Carnes, 5238 Lymbar, Houston, TX 77096.

For more information contact Charles Dennis, Event Chair, at chasden57@yahoo.com.

All proceeds from “A Royal Affair” will support the nationally acclaimed education events and community programs of Houston Grand Opera, as well as the Houston Grand Opera Studio. United Airlines is the official airline of HGO Guild. For additional information and tickets, please call 713-546-0269.