Shelby's Social Diary
The Junior League of Houston gears up for a year of volunteerism andcontributions worth $2 million
It was a sellout at the Junior League of Houston on Thursday when the city's leading volunteer organization launched the fall season with its annual fashion show and luncheon, held at the non-profit's home on Briar Oaks Lane.
More than 300 women packed the ballroom for lunch, close to 300 joined the repeat of the Elizabeth Anthony/Esther Wolf show that evening and nearly another 300 arrived for the third presentation at lunch on Friday.
That kind of enthusiasm reflects the dedication that the 5,000 league members have for their mission of "promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers."
Through their various efforts with 36 community projects, league members expect to contribute, during the 2011-12 year, $2 million to the city in terms of volunteer hours and direct financial contributions. That vast effort continues a tradition that launched with the founding of this chapter of the league in 1925.
For the organization that began as a volunteer initiative for young wives and mothers, membership has changed dramatically. Today, some 80 percent of the membership is employed outside of the home.
Welcoming guests over the triple-header fundraiser were style show chairmen Wendy Wall, Keri Herrin and Elin Jackson and league president Perry Ann Reed. Holding forth over the Junior League Tea Room, from which uniformed league members served the popular meal, was general manager Malcolm Rowland. And, yes, the Tea Room's legendary orange rolls were on the menu and more popular, at least at one table, than the dessert.
As the ladies applauded the runway presentation of designs by Rena Lange, Escada, Elie Tahari and the like, Elizabeth Anthony/Esther Wolf owner Julie Roberts beamed.
