H-E-B was recognized as the Community Legacy Honoree at the Houston Arts Alliance’s Gilded & Golden Gala, held Oct. 10 at Thompson Houston, for the grocer’s continued investment in the organization and commitment to strengthening Houston’s creative community.
The annual benefit, marking the alliance’s 20th anniversary, raised more than $600,000 in gross revenue and drew nearly 470 guests. H-E-B also served as the gala’s presenting sponsor, with lead sponsors including Chevron, Bank of America, Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages and United Airlines.
Winell Herron, SVP of public affairs, diversity and environmental affairs at H-E-B, was on hand to receive the grocer’s award.
The event also honored Houston-born performer, director, choreographer and arts educator Debbie Allen, whose honors include five Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, a Kennedy Center Honor and an honorary Oscar, with the Golden Trailblazer Award. Grammy winner Kam Franklin closed the program with “Fame,” a nod to Allen’s role as Lydia Grant in the television series. Houston Mayor John Whitmire attended as a special guest.
Funds raised support the alliance’s work in arts resilience and recovery, community engagement and artist-centered initiatives. The Houston Arts Alliance is the city of Houston’s local arts agency and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that administers city-funded arts grants and cares for the city’s Civic Art Collection.
“Saturday night was joyful, moving and full of the energy that makes Houston’s creative community so special,” said Taylor Jackson, CEO of Houston Arts Alliance. “As we honored Debbie Allen and H-E-B and reflected on 20 years of Houston Arts Alliance, I kept thinking about the artists and communities we have the privilege of serving.”
San Antonio-based H-E-B operates more than 400 stores in Texas and Mexico.