'Enchanted' Evening Garners $800K for Junior League

'Enchanted' Evening Garners $800K for Junior League

Elizabeth Kendrick, Ashley Seals, Amanda Hanks Bayles

EVENT CHAIR ASHLEY Seal looked like a princess as she welcomed more than 500 guests to the Junior League's weekend-long Charity Ball fundraiser. Fitting, since the gala's theme was "Enchanted: An Evening Once Upon a Time."


The affair kicked off on Thursday night, with an intimate "Into the Woods" reception featuring dealing pianos and tunes courtesy of DJ Mohawk Steve. The party continued at the Junior League's Briar Oaks Lane venue on Friday, with dinner and a live performance by Radio Live, as well as Saturday, featuring five-piece Texas band Satellite.

Between not one but two Big Board auctions — contested items included vacations in Belize and Colorado, custom boots and jewelry, and shopping sprees — and a paddles-up segment, the Junior League of Houston certainly got its happily ever after: The Charity Ball raised more than $800,000 for the organization's 32-plus community projects and mentorship programs.

“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," said League President Amanda Hanks Bayles in a statement. “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.”

Ashley Konikowski and Chase Zalman

Ross and Natalie Irvin

Dancers from The Lockin Keez Dance Company and singers Kaitlyn Stuart and Roslyn Bazelle-Mitchell

Randi Blashke and Kolbi Blanchette

Sarah Cloos, Lindsey Davis, Kristiann Rushton, Melissa Reihle

Radio Live singers

Diana Skerl

Gary Hellings and Lavinia Boyd

Monica Carter, Megan Hotze and Alexis Caruselle

Parties
Leadership in Action: ‘Setting Clear Goals’ Among Secrets of Success for Attorney Jess Bailey

How did you get to where you are today? A few key principles integrated into my life: setting clear goals, maintaining a growth mindset, building strong habits, and surrounding myself with the right people. Goals provided direction, while a growth mindset helped me turn challenges into opportunities for learning. Consistent habits, like disciplined work and effective communication, kept me moving forward. Being surrounded by motivated, supportive individuals has elevated my standards and kept me accountable. They’ve provided advice, encouragement, and sometimes that extra push I needed to stay on track. With these elements, I’ve been able to create a framework that helps me succeed and ensures I continue to grow and evolve.

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places

AS WE MOVE into Movember, men’s mental health is a big topic. In fact, men can get a lot of benefit, both mentally and physically by taking advantage of everything a spa has to offer. LeBrina Jackson, owner of Escape Spa, has the answers

How does Escape Spa cater to men? We designed Escape Spa to ensure both men and women feel comfortable and welcome. From our earth tones to our luxury brown unisex robes, this is not a pampering palace but a rejuvenation destination.

Keep Reading Show less

Jessica and Ryan Getz, Grace Ward

HOUSTON NONPROFIT Dec My Room threw a country-music-filled bash at House of Blues, where supporters two-stepped the night away and raised record-breaking proceeds, which will be used to decorate and customize hospital rooms of pediatric and young-adult patients all over the country. To date, the organization has improved the attitudes and healing process of 18,000 patients in nearly 200 hospitals.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties