Houston's international profile was never more glowingly apparent than at the UNICEF World Ball during which the ballrom of the Hilton Americas Houston resonated with the lilting accents of languages from the world over.

More than 300 guests, a good number in formal native attire, turned out in support of UNICEF’s humanitarian efforts for children and to applaud honorees Nidhika and Pershant Mehta and their continuing philanthropy in many quarters both at home and abroad. They were presented the Spirit of Compassion Award by UNICEF Ambassador and model Dayle Haddon.

Co-Chairs Susan Boggio and Rosemarie Johnson took the spotlight along with emcee KPRC Channel 2 news anchor Dominique Sachse.

The evening's entertainment included the Houston Children’s Chorus, the Latin dance band Mango Punch and the Space City Gamelan Indonesian orchestra, all of which provided guests an international array of music throughout the fundraiser.

When the final count was taken, nearly $480,000 was raised for UNICEF’s programs in more than 150 countries in health and immunizations, clean water, nutrition, education, emergency and disaster relief and more.

Seen in the crowd were Rose and Dikembe Mutombo, Sonice and Robert Estill, Eileen and Kase Lawal, Donatella and Fred Benckenstein, Mehrnaz and Ned Gill, Jamil and Carter Higley, Melissa and Michael Mithoff, Stephanie Perkins, Luba and Alan Bigman, Elizabeth and Gary Petersen, Winnie and Aku Bedi, Sultana and Moez Mangalji and UNICEF Regional Managing Director Sonya Renner.

Numerous members of the Consular Corps attended included Consuls General from India, Egypt, Mexico, Romania and Sri Lanka.