Aven and Tracey McBride to be Honored at the 26th Annual Pavilion Partners Wine Dinner

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Sunday, March 7, 2027, will mark the 26th Annual Pavilion Partners Wine Dinner and Auction, an evening dedicated to celebrating the arts, expanding educational opportunities and supporting scholarships, arts outreach and free performing arts programming throughout the community.

For 26 years, the Pavilion Partners Wine Dinner and Auction has helped advance The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion’s nonprofit mission through its support of the Pavilion Partners Fine Arts Scholarship Program and The Pavilion’s performing arts and education initiatives. The scholarship program has awarded more than $3.3 million in scholarships to talented local students pursuing degrees in vocal music, instrumental music, theater, dance, visual arts and computer graphic arts. Scholarships are based on talent and academic performance and are presented each spring.

The 2027 Wine Dinner will celebrate the continued impact of these programs while recognizing two inspiring champions of the arts and The Pavilion’s mission – this year’s honorees, Aven and Tracey McBride.

Aven and Tracey McBride have demonstrated their commitment to The Pavilion through philanthropic support of programs that connect people of all ages with the arts. Their generosity has helped advance the Pavilion Partners Fine Arts Scholarship Program, Professional Development Grants, Arts on The Go Boxes and Pavilion Palooza, supporting opportunities for students, educators and families to experience and engage with the arts.

Their support also reflects a broader commitment to ensuring the arts remain accessible to all. Through free performing arts performances, educational outreach, resources for educators and community events, The Pavilion reaches audiences beyond its Main Stage and creates meaningful opportunities for people to discover the arts.

At the 25th Annual Wine Dinner in 2025, Aven and Tracey made a generous pledge of $250,000 toward the Pavilion Partners Fine Arts Scholarship Program, committing $10,000 for each year of the event’s history. Their continued generosity exemplifies the lasting impact that community partners can have on arts education and the next generation of artists.

“We are profoundly grateful for Aven and Tracey McBride and their unwavering support of The Pavilion and the arts,” said Jeff Young, President & CEO of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. “Their generosity helps create opportunities for students, supports the educators who inspire them and allows us to bring meaningful arts experiences to our community. Their belief in the power of the arts strengthens our mission and helps ensure these opportunities remain accessible to all.”

The Pavilion Partners Wine Dinner and Auction has become a signature fundraising event, bringing together community leaders, donors and arts advocates for an evening of fine food, wine and fellowship. Proceeds support the Pavilion Partners Fine Arts Scholarship Program and The Pavilion’s broader performing arts and education initiatives, including free community programming, educational outreach and grants that help arts educators enrich their classrooms.

Through these efforts, The Pavilion creates opportunities for students to pursue higher education in the arts, provides educators with resources and professional development and welcomes families to experience performances and hands-on arts activities at no cost. The Wine Dinner helps sustain this work, extending the impact of community generosity well beyond a single evening.

The Pavilion is pleased to recognize Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar and Komes Estates as the 2027 Corporate Honorees for the Pavilion Partners Wine Dinner and Auction. A longtime partner of the Wine Dinner, Fleming’s has helped make the event memorable through its culinary contributions and commitment to delivering an exceptional dining experience.

Komes Estates continues a longstanding relationship with the Pavilion Partners Wine Dinner and Auction. Founded and overseen by veteran vintner John Komes and his son, Nat Komes, the boutique Napa Valley wine project is operated by the family in St. Helena and the Rutherford appellation. Known for its small-lot luxury and reserve-tier wines, including Komes Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Komes Estates continues the family’s tradition of supporting the event and its mission.

The Pavilion also extends its heartfelt thanks to the returning Grand Patrons, American Communications Construction and Aloha Beauty Lounge, whose generosity helps advance The Pavilion’s mission and the programs supported by the Wine Dinner. Additional sponsors and supporters will be recognized as the 2027 event approaches. Interested in underwriting or sponsorship opportunities? Visit the Wine Dinner website for more information on how to get involved: https://www.woodlandscenter.org/wine-dinner-27.

This event would not be possible without the dedication and volunteerism of the Wine Dinner Committee. The Pavilion extends its sincere appreciation to Wine Dinner Co-Chairs Sonya Nicholson and Charlie DeKanter, along with the following committee members for their time, talent and commitment to making this annual event a success: Chardelle Adelson, Evan Berlin, Cyndi Brandt, Annabelle Carrillo, Kelsey Casey, Kate de Kanter, Linda Eissler, Susan Fordyce, Kris Gilot, Debbie Gullo, Cindy Hageman, Janene Hemmen, Kyle Holmes, Lisa Koetting, Michelle Leary, Randy Lowry, Judy Lux, Gina Ortiz, Kathryn Painter, Rosemary Rodd and Alison Yee.

For 26 years, the Pavilion Partners Wine Dinner and Auction has demonstrated what is possible when a community comes together in support of the arts. The Pavilion is grateful to the donors, sponsors, volunteers and community partners whose generosity has helped strengthen the Fine Arts Scholarship Program and expand arts access throughout the region.

If you would like more information about The Pavilion, please visit our website at www.woodlandscenter.org. Look for The Pavilion on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram, or download The Pavilion’s iOS or Android app.

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