Saturday, December 6th | 6:30 - 9:30 PM | The Rockport Country Club
Step into a world of mystery, beauty, and maritime legacy at this year’s most anticipated event, The Maritime Ball: Wonder Beneath the Waves, our annual fundraising gala benefiting the Texas Maritime Museum. This elegant celebration invites you to journey beneath the surface and explore the rich, storied history of Texas’s seafaring past.
Hosted at the beautiful Rockport Country Club, all guests will enjoy complimentary valet parking, a gourmet three-course plated dinner, an open bar, and beautiful live ambient music, all set against a backdrop of oceanic wonder. The evening also features both live and ticketed auctions, offering exclusive treasures and engaging experiences to suit every taste.
We warmly invite you to join us in supporting our mission to preserve and share maritime history. Proceeds from the event will help fund future exhibitions, educational programs, conservation initiatives, and the ongoing stewardship of our historic collections.
Whether you attend as a ticketed individual guest, sponsor, or underwriter, your participation ensures that the stories of the Texas coast continue to inspire and educate for generations to come.
Experience the Wonder from Start to Finish
From the moment you arrive, you’ll be immersed in an unforgettable celebration of maritime history and elegance. Every detail of the evening has been thoughtfully designed to inspire wonder, from the ocean-inspired décor and live music to the carefully curated dinner and engaging auctions.
Whether you’re savoring a handcrafted cocktail, bidding on a one-of-a-kind experience, or simply enjoying the company of fellow supporters, you’ll find that each moment is crafted to make you feel appreciated and inspired.
We invite you to explore the many special features that will make this evening so extraordinary:
To ensure a seamless and elegant arrival at the Rockport Country Club, complimentary valet parking will be provided for all guests courtesy of Harbor Parking. Simply pull up to the entrance and enjoy the evening from the moment you arrive.
After valet, guests will be welcomed in the Country Club Lobby at our check-in table, where they’ll receive a custom-printed event program featuring their name and table assignment. This beautifully designed keepsake is more than just a guide to the evening, it also serves as your official bid card for the exciting live auction following dinner.
Be sure to keep it close at hand throughout the night, as you won’t want to miss your chance to bid on exclusive items and experiences while supporting the museum’s mission.
A complimentary coat check will also be available for your convenience, allowing you to enjoy the evening comfortably and without worry.
Make your way to the open bar where guests will be able to sip classic favorites or try new concoctions throughout the evening. You’ll be able to enjoy a curated selection of fine wines, liquors and handcrafted cocktails as you socialize and savor your meal.
Don’t forget to explore the exciting Ticket Auction Area, where a wide variety of unique items and unforgettable experiences await your bid … with a twist! Unlike a traditional live or silent auction, you’ll use tickets to enter drawings for only the prizes you’re most interested in. The more tickets you place in the basket, the better your chances of winning!
Tickets can be purchased at the Ticket Auction Area until 8:30 PM, with the drawings taking place immediately after the Live Auction. Just don’t wander too far as you must be present to win!
Ticket Pricing:
- 1 ticket for $5
- 5 tickets for $20 (Best Value!)
Payments will be accepted by cash, check, or credit card. Please note: a 3.99% processing fee applies to all credit card transactions.
It’s fun, it’s easy, and it’s all for a great cause. Good luck and get your tickets early!
Prepare to indulge in a truly unforgettable dining experience. Guests will be treated to a gourmet three-course plated dinner, beginning with a fresh seasonal salad, followed by their choice of an exquisitely prepared entrée.
For the main course, guests may choose between:
- Brie-Stuffed Chicken Breast – Tender and juicy, filled with creamy brie and finished with a warm cranberry sauce
- Filet Oscar – A 5-oz cut topped with asparagus, lump crab meat, and a savory ladle of hollandaise sauce
Both entrées will be served with gnocchi au gratin, fried Brussels sprouts tossed in a sweet chili glaze, and warm rolls with butter.
To finish, indulge in your choice of dessert:
- A towering slice of chocolate cake, layered with rich ganache, drizzled with caramel sauce, and topped with a touch of smoked salt
- A velvety coconut crème brûlée, perfectly caramelized and delicately flavored
To ensure each guest receives their preferred menu, we kindly ask that meal selections be submitted no later than Friday, November 21st. Preferences may be submitted using the form here, or by emailing us at admin@texasmaritimemuseum.org.
Bon appétit!
Get ready for the excitement of our Live Auction, beginning at approximately 8:30 PM! This is your chance to bid on an exceptional collection of one-of-a-kind items and unforgettable experiences, all while supporting the vital mission of the Texas Maritime Museum.
Every dollar bid goes directly toward preserving Texas’s maritime history, supporting educational programs, and maintaining the Museum’s exhibits and conservation efforts. Your generosity helps keep our stories alive, so bid high and bid often!
Important Note:
All auction payments must be made the night of the event. We gladly accept cash, check, or credit card, though please note a 3.99% processing fee applies to all credit card transactions. For higher-value items, that fee can add up, so if you’re planning to go big, don’t forget your checkbook!
Let the bidding begin, and thank you for your support!
Join us in your finest attire for an unforgettable evening of elegance and enchantment. This is a formal event, and guests are encouraged to embrace our enchanting theme: Wonder Beneath the Waves. Think deep-sea glamour, oceanic hues, and take inspiration from the beautiful flora and fauna of our oceans and bays. Whether it’s a hint of shimmer, a statement accessory, or a bold, thematic ensemble, let your look reflect the mystery and beauty of the ocean’s depths.
Dive into the theme and dress to impress!
Can’t make it to the gala? You can still be a part of this unforgettable evening by making a donation in support of the Texas Maritime Museum. Your gift, no matter the amount, helps us preserve our state’s rich maritime heritage, expand our educational programs, and protect our historic collections for generations to come.
Every dollar makes a difference, and your support ensures that the Wonder Beneath the Waves continues to inspire all who walk through our doors.
Thank you for standing with us in our mission, even from afar.
Being a sponsor for The Maritime Ball: Wonder Beneath the Waves offers a unique opportunity to elevate your business’s brand while making a meaningful impact in the community. By aligning your company with a high-profile event, benefiting an esteemed non-profit organization like the Texas Maritime Museum, you enhance your visibility among a targeted audience of influential local leaders and potential clients, boosting your brand’s reputation and fostering goodwill.
This strategic partnership not only showcases your commitment to education and historical preservation, but also positions your business as a community-focused leader, creating positive associations that can drive customer loyalty and open doors to new opportunities. Your support at any level will be recognized and celebrated, amplifying your company’s presence and demonstrating that your values extend beyond the bottom line.
- A private table at the event, seating eight (8) guests
- Sponsor name included with the title of the event: “The Maritime Ball: Wonder Beneath the Waves, presented by Your Company Name”
- Sponsor name or logo included on the event webpage, social media thank you posts, and event-related email blasts
- Sponsor name or logo included on select event signage and in the event program
- Sponsor acknowledgement in subsequent event press releases
- Complimentary full page ad in event program
- Complimentary one-year Texas Maritime Museum Corporate Membership at the Sloop Level, which includes recognition in all email blasts and in the Maritime Beacon Newsletter for one year ($500 value)
- A private table at the event, seating eight (8) guests
- Sponsor name or logo included on the event webpage, social media thank you posts, and event-related email blasts
- Sponsor name or logo included on select event signage and in the event program
- Sponsor acknowledgement in subsequent event press releases
- Complimentary 1/2 page ad in event program
- Complimentary one-year Texas Maritime Museum Corporate Membership at the Sloop Level, which includes recognition in all email blasts and in the Maritime Beacon Newsletter for one year ($500 value)
- A private table at the event, seating eight (8) guests
- Sponsor name or logo included on social media thank you posts
- Sponsor name or logo included on select event signage and in the event program
- Complimentary 1/4 page ad in event program
A select number of underwriting opportunities are available for this year’s gala, offering a unique way to make a lasting impact while gaining meaningful visibility. As an underwriter, your support directly enhances the guest experience and helps offset event costs, allowing more funds to go toward the museum’s mission of preserving and sharing maritime history.
This year, we are offering just three exclusive underwriting opportunities:
- A private table at the event, seating eight (8) guests
- Underwriter name or logo included on the event webpage, social media thank you posts, and event-related email blasts
- Underwriter name or logo included on select event signage and in the event program
- Underwriter name or logo included on exclusive signage located at the event bar
- Underwriter acknowledgement in subsequent event press releases
- Complimentary 1/2 page ad in event program
- A private table at the event, seating eight (8) guests
- Underwriter name or logo included on the event webpage, social media thank you posts, and event-related email blasts
- Underwriter name or logo included on select event signage and in the event program
- Underwriter name or logo included on exclusive signage located at the music stage
- Underwriter acknowledgement in subsequent event press releases
- Complimentary 1/2 page ad in event program
- A private table at the event, seating eight (8) guests
- Underwriter name or logo included on the event webpage, social media thank you posts, and event-related email blasts
- Underwriter name or logo included on select event signage and in the event program
- Underwriter name or logo included on exclusive signage at each table.
- Underwriter acknowledgement in subsequent event press releases
- Complimentary 1/2 page ad in event program
Individual Ticket – $200
- One individual seat at a shared table
Join us in supporting Texas Maritime Museum, the Official Maritime Museum of the State of Texas, as a sponsor for The Maritime Ball: Wonder Beneath the Waves.
For over 35 years, the Texas Maritime Museum has captivated visitors from all across Texas and beyond with engaging exhibits and educational programs, and worked stridently to ensure that the rich maritime history of our state is preserved. Your sponsorship helps to provide much-needed funds that will directly support our mission to educate, curate, and preserve Texas’ maritime history for today and posterity.
Sign up as a sponsor, underwriter, or ticket holder today to ensure your place at the 2025 Maritime Ball and in the history of our
esteemed organization.
* To reserve your space without a credit card, sponsorship forms are available for download here, or can be completed in person at the Texas Maritime Museum Administrative Office. Payments of cash or check can be made there Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM through 5:00 PM. Payments via check can also be submitted by mail to Texas Maritime Museum, 1202 Navigation Circle, Rockport, TX 78382. For more information, call (361) 729-1271.
All proceeds for this event support the Texas Maritime Museum. The Texas Maritime Museum is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Your Gift may be tax-deductible. Please print or take a screenshot of the confirmation screen for your records.