Nothing like a gyrating Chinese dragon and the accompanying cacophony of cymbals and drums to enliven an evening. Just ask the hundreds of guests pouring into the Junior League of Houston headquarters for three consecutive sold-out evenings of gala fun that raised more than $1 million, a JLH record.
The 66th annual Charity Ball played out in full black-tie splendor on Friday and Saturday nights. The cocktail-attire crowd on Thursday was treated to a preview of the action-packed gala that featured music and dance performances by league members and a sprinkling of talented gents. Three femmes on hand each of the three nights to insure perfection were Junior League of Houston president Marian Hearne Hilpert, Charity Ball chair Whitney Anderson Walsh and underwriting chair Catherine Beaton Smith.
The party scene spread across the Junior League building and spilled over into the party tent decorated to the hilt in gilded Chinese trappings with the emphasis on dragons. In fact, one of the two live auction items was a bejeweled dragon cuff featuring a dragon's head carved from antique coral. Tenenbaum & Co. designed the piece, valued at $66,000, specifically for the Junior League gala and donated it outright. Likewise Sewell Automotive Companies provided "A Car for All Seasons," meaning that the high bidder could select a car of his or her choice from Sewell dealerships four times a year to drive for a season.
Reveling in the Chinese New Year theme Maidie Ryan and Clayton Walberg, Jacquelyn and Collin Cox, Cynthia and John Onstott, Nicole and Chris Walters, Liz and Jason Love, Rachel and Tom Regan, Kim and Ron Hankamer, John Scales, Mimi and Jarrod Foerster and Betty and Ron Hearne.
Kevin Black, from left, Tim and Marian Hilpert and Tony Bradfield at the Junior League of Houston Charity Ball.
