Junior League’s Charity Ball Gathers Small Groups Together, Raises $600K

Junior League’s Charity Ball Gathers Small Groups Together, Raises $600K

Lauren Brown, Rachel Regan, Amanda Pritchett

PERHAPS ONE OF the final "virtual" events of the season, the Junior League of Houston's 73rd annual Charity Ball was also one of the most successful. While it's traditionally held over multiple evenings, this year's was hosted on a single night — but by multiple League members who invited small groups into their homes to stream the event.


Watch parties, like ones hosted by Junior League President Rachel Regan and member Beth Zdeblick, gave the gals an excuse to dress up and mingle in a safer way. Before the "Illuminate" ball began — the theme a nod to how the organization spotlights and spreads hope and volunteerism — a floral centerpiece along with candles, sparklers and a three-course dinner with wine and Champagne were dropped off on guests' doorsteps. Then everyone tuned in to the program, which kicked off with a video message highlighting the group's charity efforts and included testimony from community members who benefited from the Junior League's work over the last year.

The "big board" and silent auction were also virtual this year, of course — but that didn't put a damper on contributions. Items up for grabs included tropical vacations, beautiful baubles from Diamonds Direct and Tenenbaum Jewelers, cooking classes, and a clever "Best of Houston" date-nights-for-a-year package.

Together, attendees raised $600,000 for the organization; the funds will assist in serving the 34 nonprofit agencies with whom the Junior League works.

Alexandra Yates, Whitney Walsh, Amy Comiskey, Katie Hackedorn

Lauren Gates, Anat Zeidman

Trey & Julie Comiskey, Rachel & Mark Terpstra

The Salazar watch party

The Regan watch party table setting

Wendy Lewis Armstrong & Vince Armstrong, II

Marie & Kevin Newton

The Zdeblick watch party

Andrea Davidson, Rachel Regan, Marcie Berry, Keli Luce

Parties
Fall Philanthropy Report: March of Dimes’ ‘Signature Chefs’ Event Coming in November

What year was your organization launched? 1938

What is your mission? March of Dimes was founded in 1938 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, to combat polio. The name “March of Dimes” was suggested by entertainer Eddie Cantor as a way to encourage people to donate even a small amount, like a dime, to help fight polio.

Keep Reading Show less

AN ICONIC RESTAURANT space on West Gray, once home to La Griglia and a hopping patio scene, will soon be vivacious once again. In March, Goode Company will opens the fourth outpost of its popular Tex-Mex spot Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina on West Gray at McDuffie.

Keep Reading Show less
Food

MUTINY WINE ROOM in the Heights is celebrating five years with a bash this month. Opening just months before the pandemic, the tasting-room-style bar and restaurant is run by Emily Trout and Mark Ellenberger, who also own Kagan Cellars in Napa Valley.

Keep Reading Show less
Food