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    Million Dollar Mega Ball

    A new trend in fundraising? Three-night mega charity ball draws 1,000 guests and raises $1 million

    Shelby Hodge
    shelby hodge
    Feb 9, 2015 | 1:46 pm

    The up-and-coming community leaders that comprise the Junior League of Houston are kicking up their heels this morning in the wake of a mega Charity Ball circuit that played out over three nights with close to 1,000 guests and $1 million in the bank.

    With the format changed from previous years, the black-tie contingent was not only reaching deep into their pockets but also applauding the vast party tent decorated to the hilt in keeping with the "1925 — An Epic Era" theme. The time travel a nod to 2015 as the 90th anniversary for the community service organization.

    In recent years, the gala has spread across the Junior League campus with a party tent for dining and dancing and the auditorium for the traditional performance that features the talents of Junior League members. Thursday through Saturday night, the party action all took place in the tent where Darryl & Co. created a masterpiece of glittering design ranging from the sparkling chandeliers with cascading flowers to the beveled glass bars where adult libations were plentiful.

    Taking bows for the grand evening were Charity Ball chair Rachel Regan, underwriting chair Megan Hotze and Junior League president Elizabeth Love.

    Adding to the evening's financial success was the live auction featuring a custom earring and necklace set provided by Tenenbaum & Co. and "A Car for All Seasons" offered by Sewell Automotive.

    Helping bring in that cool $1 million were Sarah and Mike Sanders, Selby and Mike DeVault, Christina and Matt Altaneu, Kevin Black and Tony Bradfield, Courtney and Joel Meadows, Maidie Ryan, Kathleen and Darrell Pennington, Bubba and Jessica Gentry and Brittany and Shane Williams.

    Mike and Sarah Sanders, from left, with Selby and Brad DeVault.

    17 Mike and Sarah Sanders, from left, with Selby and Brad DeVault Junior League of Houston Gala February 2015
      
    Photo by Claire Shisler
    Mike and Sarah Sanders, from left, with Selby and Brad DeVault.
    unspecified
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    Songs & Support

    Hamilton star Miguel Cervantes brings Broadway power to Houston luncheon

    Joel Luks
    Apr 16, 2025 | 9:30 am
    Blue Bird Circle spring luncheon 2025
    Photo by Priscilla Dickson
    Miguel Cervantes.

    Broadway met brainpower as Miguel Cervantes, best known for his star turn playing the lead role in Hamilton, headlined The Blue Bird Circle’s Annual Spring Luncheon, themed “Arts and the Brain: Joyful Engagements.” Held March 18, the sold-out midday affair brought together more than 380 supporters to celebrate the legacy and impact of the century-old nonprofit, which has become a Houston institution in advancing pediatric neurological care.

    Blue Bird Circle spring luncheon 2025
      

    Photo by Priscilla Dickson

    Miguel Cervantes.

    Chaired by longtime volunteers Maggie Austin and Ellen Stough, the luncheon honored Dr. Debra F. Sukin, president and CEO of Texas Children’s Hospital, for her leadership and commitment to improving children’s health. Dr. Sukin highlighted the importance of research in pediatric neurology and shared personal reflections on her own journey as a mother.

    Guests were visibly moved as Cervantes took the stage, performing signature numbers from Hamilton and opening up in a conversation with Ernie Manouse about the loss of his infant daughter to epilepsy. His emotional tribute and advocacy for research through Cure Epilepsy struck a powerful chord, turning the spotlight toward the children and families served by The Blue Bird Circle’s mission.

    The event raised $300,000 in support of life-changing programs, including The Blue Bird Circle Clinic for Pediatric Neurology at Texas Children’s Hospital and affiliated research and treatment centers at Baylor College of Medicine and the Duncan Neurological Research Institute.

    Spotted among the do-gooding daytime crowd were Annette Griffin, Gail Branca, Sally Barber, Becky Chapman, Tanya and Andy Greenwood, Betty Ann and Beth Graves, Jenny Murphy, Dagmar Deason, Jan Sexton, Mikki Donnelly, Sallie Gordon, Jan Cobler and Trish Greaser, Dodi Willingham, Julie Little, Dr. Howard Weiner, and Dr. Huda Zoghbi.

    fundraisersblue bird circle
    news/society
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