It was a first for Junior League Charity Ball players — a standing ovation (and $960,000 raised)

Perhaps it was the continuous flow of upbeat tunes or the fun costuming or the unprecedented talent, but whatever the magic there was in the ballroom at the Junior League of Houston, the Charity Ball show earned a first-ever standing ovation from the appreciative audience. And that delivered a burst of theatrical pride among the 27 amateur singing and dancing stars.

Also beaming over that tribute were director Bill Bartlett, choreographer Mistie Porter and Junior League entertainment chair Casey Schrade. 

More than 850 black-tie attired guests saw the "Starry Night" show that was presented Thursday, Friday and Saturday and raised more than $960,000 for Junior League community programs. On Friday and Saturday, guests stayed on for dinner and dancing in a clear party tent with twinkle lights, erected in the Junior League garden. There to welcome guests on all three nights were Junior League president Perry Ann Reed and Charity Ball chair Marian Hilpert.

As has been tradition for a quarter century Malcolm Rowland, Junior League Tea Room general manager, served as emcee of the program that featured the talents of Junior League members, family and friends including Sharon Callender-Snowden, Blake Pellerin, Richard Nevins and Jason Moninger.

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