Houston weather is such an ornery thing. Two weeks ago, the mercury hovered in the teens. Saturday night, it was practically balmy. Nevertheless, a wintry scene prevailed inside the ballroom of the InterContinental-Houston.

And so it is each January when the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America hosts the Winter Ball and party designer Darryl Murchison works his magic to transform a hotel space into a wonderland of frosty crystals and shimmering "ice" designs. By draping the entire ballroom in white and employing thousands of dangling crystals from sparkly tree limbs, he succeeded in creating the magical atmosphere desired by gala chairs Connie Reeves Cooke and Phyllis Knight Williams.

The silvery and white palette was the perfect backdrop for the ABC-Channel 13 Women of Distinction, who distinguished themselves on this night in a colorful array of ball gowns that fairly dazzled the roomful of black-tie attendees. Making a glamorous wintry statement in her white and silver embroidered gown trimmed in white fur was honorary chair Margaret Alkek Williams.

Taking bows as 2010 honorees were Joan Dunlap, Harriet Gertner, Melissa King, Traci Lee, Linda Lorelle, Carmen Maria Montiel-Lechin, Patti Murphy, Helen Shaffer, Laura Spalding and Donna Vallone. Winning high praise as the 2010 Women of Distinction Ambassador was Jan Carson. Each woman was recognized for her strong community leadership, her accomplishments touted by emcees Channel 13 news anchors Tom Koch and Dave Ward. They join the ranks of more than 200 women who have been honored with the title since the gala's inception in 1988.

Adding a dashing note of star power to the night was General Hospital star John York, who briefly shared his story of battling Crohn's & Colitis as a teenager. He playfully agreed to discuss his colon with anyone interested — but not until after dinner.

Teenagers Abigail Cheney and Danielle Nicole White were introduced as CCFA Youth Ambassadors.

Dinner and dancing followed the presentation and live auction, conducted by Jeff Smith with top items contributed by Emirates Airlines.

Among those joining the party were Clayton Cooke, Cornel Williams, Saks Fifth Avenue GM Terry Zmyslo, Philamena and Arthur Baird, Tim Connolly, Lora and Dr. John Clemmons, Carol and Dr. Tom Sawyer, Ellie and Michael Francisco, Julie and Dr. David Brown, Sharon Michael Owens, Ileana and Michael Trevino, Cindi and Dr. Franklin Rose and Dr. Kelli Cohen Fein and Martin Fein.