Lauren Brown, Rachel Regan, Amanda Pritchett
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
Tarek and Nadia Akaweih
Red roses and accents of silver filled the space, with mini musical instruments factoring into the centerpieces. Other highlights of the event included a wine pull, a raffle with prizes including a gift card to the fabulous new Zadok Jewelers and remarks from emcee Ernie Manouse. But, of course, the most memorable parts of the night were the performances by Virtuosi's student musicians.
Gala chairs were Cheryl Byington and Beth Wolf, with honorary chairs Philamena Baird and Monzer Hourani. Honorees for the special anniversary affair were the org's founding artistic directors Andrzej Grabiec and Franz Anton Krager; longtime volunteers Carolyn Vandiver and Cathy and Earle Steinberg; and the Moores School of Music at UH. Guests included Lia Vallone, Dianna and David Voll, Deborah Krager, Danuta Grabiec, Joel Oppenheim, Moores School Director Courtney Crappell and his wife Conny Crappell. Andrew Davis, founding dean of UH's Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts, was also on hand.
Virtuosi of Houston is said to foster a "pre-professional" environment and provide performance opportunities for the city's best and most dedicated young classical musicians, many of whom go on to study at the world's most prestigious music schools and to undertake artistic careers.
Deborah and Franz Krager
Andrew Davis, Courtney Crappell
Beth Wolff, Carolyn Vandiver and Cheryl Byington
Betty and Jess Tutor
Cynthia Wolff, Tobin Hellums and Clara Orlean
Bob Wilkins and Mary Ann Reynold Wilkins
Monzer Hourani and Emme Jennings
Shaun and Layla Rackley
Susan and Ed Osterberg and Lisa Cline
From Your Site Articles
- UH’s ‘Little Shop’ to Highlight School’s Broader New Curricula, Now Including American Musical Theater - Houston CityBook ›
- As Its Youth Orchestra Wows Galagoers, Virtuosi Honors Healthcare Heroes - Houston CityBook ›
Related Articles Around the Web