There was quite a bit of old and new money mingling at Valobra, a fine jewelry store and scene of Mercury's (formerly Mercury Baroque; they just changed the name) 11th Season "Party Like It's 1699" Gala Kick Off Tuesday night.
As precursor to its yearly gala scheduled for this weekend, the $100-a-ticket raffle Tuesday night gave the Houston-based chamber orchestra a start on its fundraising for its upcoming October through May concert season. The prize is a one-of-a-kind, 88-pearl necklace with an 18-carat gold chocker designed by store namesake, Franco Valobra.
"Last year we raised $200,000," said Deborah Lugo, Mercury's executive director. "We have the same goal this year."
"Party Like It's 1699" will be held at the Wortham Center on Saturday, March 24, at 7 p.m. Guests can buy raffle, attendance and/or table tickets before or on the day of the event. For more information, contact Mercury at mercurybaroque.org.
