When: February 8, 2025
Co-Chairs: Ulises and Kara Kinder Vidal
Eduardo and Maria Vidal Morales
Honoring: Guy Hagstette, Founding President and Park Director
The Gala on the Green co-chairs invite you to an evening of entertainment in celebration of Discovery Green’s transformation from concrete parking lot to vibrant green space and cultural center. Join us for a fun and elegant black-tie evening under a beautifully appointed tent in the middle of Discovery Green park. You will enjoy a cocktail reception, a program filled with great cultural surprises, followed by a dance party for all, while raising funds to support the park.
Since opening in 2008, this 12-acre oasis in the center of downtown has grown into an iconic place for visitors to explore the diversity of traditions that make Houston so wonderfully unique. Through continuous programming and large-scale public art installations Discovery Green offers magic, joy and so much more to almost two million visitors a year. Discovery Green is vital for Houston to grow as a home for talent, creativity, health and prosperity which is why we’re asking for your support.
Purchase your Gala on the Green tickets now.
Proceeds support Discovery Green’s mission to provide an uncommonly beautiful, urban green space in the heart of Houston that serves as a village green for our city, a source of health and happiness for our citizens, and a window into the incredible diversity of arts and traditions that enrich life in Houston.
A native Houstonian, Mr. Guy Hagstette is a visionary leader renowned for his pivotal role in shaping the landscape of urban green spaces in Houston.
Guy’s career is marked by transformative projects that have redefined the cityscape. Serving as Discovery Green’s inaugural President and Park Director from 2006 to 2010, he spearheaded the development of this $125 million initiative, developing one of the nation’s premier urban parks and catalyzing downtown Houston’s evolution into a vibrant hub for work, living, and recreation.
His influence extends beyond Discovery Green as evidenced by his contributions to Houston’s greenway and park projects, which have earned the city acclaim as a leader in greenspace initiatives. As Senior Vice President of Parks and Greenspace at the Kinder Foundation, he continues to champion initiatives that ensure Houston remains a dynamic and livable city for generations to come.
Ulises and Kara Kinder Vidal live in Houston with daughter, Kendall Howes (20), and twin boys Austin and Mason Howes (18).
Ulises is originally from Mexico City. He moved to Coral Gables, Florida as a child then attended Taylor High School in Katy, Texas. He earned a BS in Business from then HBU, now Houston Christian University. Kara grew up in Houston, attending Memorial High School, then Southern Methodist University, where she earned her BA and JD. Kara and Ulises met through mutual friends and married in 2013.
Kara and Ulises are excited to co-chair Discovery Green’s 2025 Gala on the Green. “We hope we can leave this beautiful city that has given so much to us and our family a little better off than when we got here, while building on wonderful friendships along the way,” they said.
Eduardo Morales and his wife Maria reside in Houston with their two beautiful daughters, Valentina (18) and Victoria (15).
Originally from Mexico City, their journey together began at Taylor High School in Katy, Texas, where Eduardo and Maria met and formed an enduring bond at the age of 14.
Eduardo and Maria share a deep commitment to giving back to their community and living life with purpose. They enjoy spending quality time with family and friends, traveling to explore cultural diversity, and supporting charitable organizations.
Together, they exemplify the values of integrity, compassion, and resilience in both their personal and professional lives.
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Discovery Green Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that depends on the generosity of park visitors and other friends to maintain the park and to fund the more than 600+ free events held here every year. We welcome gifts of all sizes.
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