The Junior League of Houston, a prominent nonprofit dedicated to “Building a Better Community” through trained, effective volunteers and financial support to community projects, raised more than $800,000 during its successful 76th Annual Charity Ball weekend themed “Enchanted: An Evening Once Upon A Time.”
Chaired by Ashley Seals, the Charity Ball was held at the Junior League of Houston on Friday, February 2, and Saturday, February 3, at 1811 Briar Oaks Lane, Houston, Texas 77027. 517 guests were in attendance. In keeping with the League’s unique mission of developing the potential of young women, more than 150 League members came together to plan, decorate and staff the events.
Both Friday and Saturday nights included a successful “paddles up” fundraiser, where guests raised their paddles and committed to donating between $5,000 and $250 to support specific League initiatives.
Friday night’s program included live music from Houston-based Radio Live and a Big Board auction emceed by ABC13 reporter-anchor Briana Conner. Guests bid on his and hers custom boots from Republic Boots, an interior design package from Paula Dixon Designs, a diamond bracelet from Valobra, a three-course meal for 10 guests at Trez Bistro, a Breckenridge, Colorado vacation, a styling and shopping spree from Black Swan Image Consulting and Neiman Marcus, a smile makeover from Glo Dental Group and a vacation in Belize.
The sold-out Saturday program included live music from Satellite, a five-piece Texas band, and a Big Board auction emceed by journalist Brandi Smith. Auction items included a five-course wine pairing dinner at Annabelle Brasserie, his and hers custom boots from Republic Boots, an interior design package from Emily June Designs, a craft brewing experience from Walking Stick Brewing Company, a diamond bracelet from Valobra, a luxury car rental from Sewell Automotive Companies, a premium Montana vacation and a hers and his couture package from Becky Hollands Atelier and Norton Ditto.
The lively “Into The Woods” Kick-Off Party on Thursday evening welcomed 260 guests, who enjoyed enchanted-themed cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, dueling pianos by Piano Punch and music from DJ Mohawk Steve.
“Our Charity Ball would not be possible without the 40 women on the Charity Ball Committee who selflessly and tirelessly volunteered their time over the last 12 months. Ashley Seals, Elizabeth Kendrick, Madison Duran, Natalie Irvin, Tamra Wilkerson-Politte, Sarah Mouton, Shantelle Jackson, Dipali Patel Ely, Kenedy Hughes Rajabian and Michael Ann Singleton, I am forever thankful and honored to have worked with you on such a special event,” Amanda Hanks Bayles, the League’s President, said. “We are so grateful to those who attended and supported this event! For every dollar raised, the Junior League of Houston is able to triple its value by pairing funding with trained volunteers.”
The two-night affair and kick-off party raised instrumental funds to support the nonprofit’s operations and impact. The support received from the ball allows the League to empower women to be an answer to the biggest issues impacting the city of Houston and allows the League to continue supporting the Houston community through its work with its 32 community projects, as well as its Community Assistance Grants and outside board representation programs . By training and inspiring members to be effective leaders, the nonprofit creates a community of trailblazers committed to mentorship, development and civic service that sparks monumental change.
The League’s Community Partners and major underwriters of the Charity Ball were Texas Children’s Hospital—the League’s Premier Community Partner, Pediatrix Medical Group, Sewell Automotive Companies, CCRM Fertility Houston, CareSource Bayou Health and Team Reed Enterprises, Inc.
Please visit www.jlh.org/charityball to learn more about The Junior League of Houston and the event. For press inquiries, please contact Like Minds Communications at pr@likemindstalk.com.
About The Junior League of Houston
From addressing critical issues such as children’s health and education and abuse of women and children, to enhancing the community through cultural enrichment, The Junior League of Houston, Inc. continues to adapt to meet the evolving needs of its membership and the Houston community. The Junior League trains volunteers to be effective leaders in the community well beyond their active membership requirements. With close to 5,000 members, the League encourages mentorship and development, cultivating a lifetime of civic service for thousands of women. The League is able to triple the value of each donation received by pairing it with trained volunteers. For more information, please visit www.jlh.org.
