Children's Museum Houston Gala With Jessica Bertuccio, James Flavin, and Bahareh Flavin

What is the key to hosting a themed event that allows every guest to feel comfortable and ready to participate?

Today, I talk with Jessica Bertuccio, James Flavin, and Bahareh Flavin, three of the co-chairs for the One Upon A Time: A Fairy Tale Fashion Ball benefiting Children's Museum Houston.

For many years, the Children's Museum Houston's annual gala has been a highly successful annual signature event with a keen ability to draw a youthful crowd who is ready to show up and make an impact. Each year, the event features innovative themes where guests feel comfortable showing up either in costume or in traditional black-tie. This year should be especially fun with the 2026 theme: Once Upon a Time: A Fairy Tale Fashion Ball that will allow guests to sport high fashion in a way that best suits them.

Jessica, James, and Bahareh provide valuable insights on a range of topics, including how event chairs can effectively use a committee that ensures their event vision comes to life, how changing the theme each year keeps donors engaged...and on their toes, tips on creating a successful after-party that keeps the vast majority of your crowd at your gala until the final song is spun or sung, and so much more. This is one episode you will definitely not want to miss.