Children’s Museum Houston hit rewind and went full retro at its annual gala, “Prom Night: Party Like It’s 1999,” held Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at The Corinthian. The sold-out celebration drew more than 460 guests, who brought high school spirit and 90s flair to the dance floor while raising a record-breaking $1,163,000 — the most ever for a Children’s Museum Houston gala.

Worthing High School Drumline

 

Under the creative direction of Bergner & Johnson, The Corinthian was transformed into CMHS, a high school gym straight out of a 90s teen movie. The Worthing High School drumline, cheerleaders, and a Bulldogs mascot set the tone for a spirited evening, while guests channeled iconic looks from “Clueless” and “Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion.” A photo booth complete with a prom-inspired backdrop captured all the throwback moments.

“‘Prom Night: Party Like It’s 1999’ perfectly captured the community spirit that defines our mission. It was a night filled with the joy and nostalgia of growing up, while celebrating the boundless possibilities of the future,” said Children’s Museum Houston CEO Rayanne Darensbourg who was present at the event.  “To see our supporters come together united by a shared commitment to Houston’s children, and achieve a record-breaking night in the process, was truly extraordinary!”

Event chairs Kathryn and Travis Boeker and Cassandra and Ryan Dalton led the effort alongside Underwriting Chairs Rebecca and Bill Adler and Blair and Barry Kessler, and Auction Chairs Tracy Northington and Nina Rand. Guests were greeted with Ring Pops and neon light-up flower crowns, setting the stage for a night filled with playful nostalgia and purpose.

Gala Chairs Ryan & Cassandra Dalton
 and Kathryn &Travis Boeker

 

Auctioneer Brittany Franklin led a lively bidding session that moved faster than an AOL chat room. Popular items included a first pitch at a Houston Astros game, donated by the Houston Astros Foundation, and a six-seat Evolution Maverick D5 electric golf cart, donated by Ranch Water Outdoors and the Northington Family. Guests could also purchase corsages and boutonnieres, with each sale contributing to the Museum’s educational programs.

Dinner, catered by Jackson & Company, offered a delicious blend of nostalgia and elegance. Guests enjoyed short ribs with red wine reduction and homemade strawberry Pop-Tarts for dessert — a whimsical nod to a 90s breakfast favorite. Late-night bites, including strombolis and parmesan fries, kept dancers energized as the Drywater Band played crowd favorites.

Prom King and Queen honors went to Will Northington and Ellen Bookout, while the gala co-chairs surprised guests with a “She’s All That”-inspired flash mob to Fatboy Slim’s “Rockafeller Skank,” igniting the dance floor.

The Drywater Band

 

At the evening’s close, leftover flowers were donated to Bloom Again Houston, which repurposes event blooms for hospitals, shelters, and senior centers. Guests left with sweet take-home desserts from Dessert Gallery, ending the night on a nostalgic note.

While the gala celebrated a beloved decade, its mission looked to the future — supporting the Museum’s efforts to improve the trajectories of children across Greater Houston through hands-on learning, engaging exhibits, and innovative educational programs that serve nearly one million children and families annually.

For more information about Children’s Museum Houston, visit www.cmhouston.org.