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SAROFIM FOUNDATION
YURIE AND CARL PASCARELLA Yurie and Carl Pascarella bring a wealth of experience and passion to their support of Houston Ballet. Carl, a former Chairman of San Francisco Ballet’s Board of Trustees and past President and CEO of Visa USA, has a long history of arts dedication. Yurie, after a successful finance career, has supported prestigious organizations like San Francisco Ballet, the School of American Ballet, and Paris Opera and Ballet. The Pascarellas have also backed new works by Stanton Welch and other innovative choreographers. Their commitment to Houston Ballet deepened with the addition of Principal Dancer Angelo Greco, showcasing their ongoing passion for excellence in ballet.
SAROFIM FOUNDATION Established in 1968, and founded by Fayez Sarofim, the Sarofim Foundation is an incredible champion of Houston’s visual and performing arts organizations. As a lead grantor in the establishing of Houston Ballet’s Endowment in 1987, in tandem with Fayez Sarofim & Co.’s support to create the Fayez Sarofim & Co. Touring Fund, the Foundation has been influential in Houston Ballet’s success at home and abroad. The Sarofim Foundation’s dedication to Houston’s arts and culture community continues and honors the late Mr. Sarofim’s legacy and commitment to philanthropy.
ALLISON AND TROY THACKER Allison and Troy Thacker are dedicated supporters of Houston Ballet, with a passion for advancing the art of dance. Long-time subscribers since 2012, they have played a key role in the Ballet’s success. Allison, a former Chairman and current Executive Committee member, and Troy made headlines by chairing the 2023 Houston Ballet Ball, which raised a then-record-breaking $1.5 million. They also underwrote Dwight Rhoden’s The Lightning Round, and Trey McIntyre’s Pretty Things underscoring their commitment to innovative choreography and the Ballet’s growth.
STEPHANIE AND FRANK TSURU Houston Ballet is delighted to have Stephanie and Frank Tsuru as integral members of its community. Stephanie, co-founder of SheSpace, brings her extensive experience to her role as Board President at Houston Ballet. Their generous support has significantly impacted the Ballet, with their underwriting bringing Aszure Barton’s Angular Momentum and Stanton Welch’s Bespoke to the stage last season. In 2022, they served as co-chairs of the Houston Ballet Ball, demonstrating their deep commitment to the organization. This year, the Tsurus are excited to underwrite Stanton Welch’s Velocity , continuing their commitment to showcasing innovative choreography and enhancing the Ballet’s artistic offerings.
THE WORTHAM FOUNDATION, INC.
PHOEBE AND BOBBY TUDOR Phoebe and Bobby Tudor have been devoted leaders of Houston Ballet for over two decades, inspired by a lifelong love of the arts. Phoebe has served as Board President and Chairman, contributing to strategic planning. Their generous support has brought remarkable productions to the stage, including the world premieres of Under the Folding Sky by Justin Peck and Stanton Welch’s Sylvia. This year, they are underwriting John Neumeier’s The Little Mermaid , continuing their commitment to presenting innovative and captivating ballet.
HALLIE VANDERHIDER Hallie Vanderhider is a cherished member of the Houston Ballet family, joining the Board of Trustees in 2017 and currently serving as Board Secretary. Her passion for the Ballet is reflected in her significant contributions, including underwriting Annabelle Lopez-Ochoa’s world premiere Delmira last season among other important works. Hallie led the record-breaking success of Ballet Ball 2018, iconically themed to Swan Lake , after Hurricane Harvey forced the annual tradition to move to the Ballet’s first custom venue. In recognition of her outstanding support and dedication, Hallie was honored at the 2023 Ballet Ball.
MARGARET ALKEK WILLIAMS Margaret Alkek Williams is a cornerstone of Houston’s arts community and one of Houston Ballet’s most devoted supporters. Her deep commitment to the Ballet is reflected in her transformational gift to the Center for Dance, which has been renamed the Margaret Alkek Williams Center for Dance in her honor. She has championed the works of Stanton Welch, supporting his landmark staging of Swan Lake in 2006. Margaret’s generosity extends to endowing a Principal Dancer position held by Yuriko Kajiya and sponsoring the annual gala performance, the Margaret Alkek Williams Jubilee of Dance. Her extraordinary contributions continue to shape the future of Houston Ballet and leave a lasting impact on the arts community.
THE WORTHAM FOUNDATION, INC Founded in 1958, The Wortham Foundation is one of Houston’s most impactful art supporters, contributing to the city’s performing and visual arts organizations as well as supporting community improvement projects throughout Houston. For nearly four decades, the Foundation has been instrumental in bringing many of Houston Ballet’s most loved and treasured story ballets to the Wortham Theater Center. The Foundation’s commitment to Houston’s arts and culture community can be seen and felt throughout the city – and it continues to uphold the values and incredible tradition of philanthropy established by founder Gus S. Wortham.
HOUSTON BALLET
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