'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
For Realty Pro Sarah Callaway Sulma, ‘Real Estate Is a Relationship Business’

HOW DID YOU get to where you are today? I was raised by a family that had a strong work ethic coupled with high moral standards. I was pretty much given the groundwork - I just had to put it in play!

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places

Refreshing bites at Bloom & Bee; the famous French onion soup at Artisans (photo by Shane Dante)

THIS SUMMER HAS been uniquely brutal for the hospitality industry, with devastating losses from the derecho and Beryl. But a bright spot for many has been Houston Restaurant Weeks, the annual August event that gives foodies and restaurants alike a jolt of energy.

Keep Reading Show less
Food

Two hand-stitched pillowcases based on drawings by Houston artists

TO KICK OFF the fall arts season, Andrew Durham Gallery is hosting a unique cross-cultural collaboration between 22 Houston and Texas artists, and 28 members of the sewing co-op and non-profit, Honduras Threads. Founded in 2001, Honduras Threads seeks to provide women in Honduran rural communities with the means to lift themselves out of poverty and support their families.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment