Prepare for takeoff, Houston! The Lone Star Flight Museum is set to host its annual Jet Setters Ball on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, and this year’s event is shaping up to be more extravagant than ever. With CenterPoint Energy as the presenting sponsor, the 2024 gala promises an evening that blends elegance, entertainment, and a touch of Italian flair, all to honor a true Houston legend, Scott Rozzell. Rozzell, a devoted supporter of the museum and its immediate past board chairman, will receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his unwavering dedication to aviation, education, and the Houston community.

For over two decades, Rozzell has been a cornerstone of the museum, guiding its transformation into a beacon for aviation and STEM education in Texas. His vision led to the museum’s relocation to Houston’s Ellington Airport in 2017, after its original Galveston home was devastated by Hurricane Ike in 2008. Since then, Rozzell’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the museum into the world-class institution it is today, inspiring countless young minds to reach for the skies.

An Evening in Rome at Houston’s Heritage Hangar

Step into an Italian dream as the museum’s Heritage Hangar at 11551 Aerospace Avenue will be transformed into an homage to Rome, transporting guests to the Eternal City without ever leaving Houston. Gala co-chairs Cheryl Boblitt King and Bill King, Penny and Dennis Murphree, and Diane and Steve Biegel, along with the support of numerous other sponsors, have pulled out all the stops to ensure a night filled with elegance and excitement. With live jazz standards by Tianna Hall setting the tone, the scene will be one of refined sophistication that pays tribute to both Italian culture and the spirit of flight.

The evening’s Roman-inspired delights include an artfully curated dinner by Churrascos Catering, where attendees can indulge in decadent Italian-inspired dishes, visit a Vespa-themed gelato station, and sip on specialty cocktails crafted just for the occasion. The backdrop of historic aircraft in the hangar will remind guests of the wonder of aviation while adding a dash of glamour to the festivities.

A Show-Stopping Lineup of Auction Prizes and Experiences

Gala attendees will have the opportunity to bid on some truly spectacular auction items in both the big board and live auction. These aren’t just any prizes—they’re experiences worthy of a jet-set lifestyle! Picture yourself unwinding in a Tuscan villa, sporting a luxury Breitling timepiece, soaring in a B-25 warbird, or even experiencing zero gravity on a weightless adventure. For food and wine lovers, there’s a private dinner and wine tasting curated by a premier chef and master sommelier, ready to impress even the most discerning palates. 

Throughout the evening, Johnny Bravo Holloway Entertainment will keep the energy high with dance-worthy tunes, ensuring there’s plenty of time to celebrate, groove, and give back.

Honoring Scott Rozzell’s Legacy in Houston’s Aviation and STEM Community

As the centerpiece of the evening, Scott Rozzell’s Lifetime Achievement Award will be a well-deserved tribute to his enduring contributions. Khambrel Marshall, a close friend of Rozzell and respected former KPRC Channel 2 Meteorologist, will emcee the evening’s program, sharing insights and stories that capture Rozzell’s passion for the museum’s mission and his impact on the Houston community.

“Scott Rozzell’s vision and dedication have taken the Lone Star Flight Museum to new heights, literally and figuratively,” said Anna Hawley, President and CEO of the museum. “His leadership has been vital not only in preserving aviation history but also in inspiring the next generation to explore STEM careers. This gala and the funds it raises represent the work that Scott, our board, staff, and volunteers tirelessly do to make aviation accessible and inspiring for all.”

Rozzell’s commitment extends beyond the museum walls; he has championed STEM education programs that aim to ignite curiosity and inspire Houston’s youth. The proceeds from the Jet Setters Ball will directly benefit the museum’s aircraft collection, exhibits, and critical STEM initiatives, ensuring that his legacy lives on in the students who visit and learn from this iconic institution.

Support from Houston’s Elite and the Museum’s Champions

The event is possible thanks to the generosity of CenterPoint Energy, the presenting sponsor, as well as the support of prominent Houstonians and institutions such as Joan Skipper and Ed Peine, Bette and Ralph Thomas, and Anthony W. Hall, Jr., among others. Their dedication to preserving Texas’s aviation history and promoting STEM education underlines the collective mission that Rozzell has helped foster.

With over 400 guests expected, this is sure to be a night that combines the best of Houston’s community spirit with a celebration of innovation, history, and the boundless potential of flight.

Mark Your Calendar: Join the Jet Setters Ball

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable evening that blends elegance with philanthropy. The Jet Setters Ball ’24 will not only honor a Houston icon but also continue the Lone Star Flight Museum’s mission of educating and inspiring future generations. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, a STEM advocate, or just looking for a memorable night out, this gala promises an experience like no other.

Event Details:

What: Lone Star Flight Museum’s Jet Setters Ball ’24: Rome

When: Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 6:30 p.m.

Where: Lone Star Flight Museum, Heritage Hangar, 11551 Aerospace Avenue, Ellington Airport, Houston, Texas

Tickets: Available at http://www.lonestarflight.org/jetsettersball/

How You Can Support

To contribute to the museum’s mission and join this exceptional evening of celebration and inspiration, please visit the Jet Setters Ball website 

For Houstonians ready to experience an unforgettable night that merges the magic of aviation with the elegance of Rome, the Jet Setters Ball ’24 is the event of the season. Get ready to raise a glass, support a great cause, and celebrate a Houston hero’s legacy.