Rescheduled Three Times, Pearl Ball Weathers Pandemic, Power Outages to Raise $220K

Leah and John Leggett, Stefanie and Cody Carper

IT'S BEEN A wild week — all right, year — of weather, with a potential tropical disturbance on its way to the H today. But on Tuesday night, as the storms barreled through and many parts of Houston lost power, a gathering at River Oaks Country Club proceeded by candlelight, helmed by a determined duo who had already rescheduled the event three times.

Virginia and Will McMullen organized the Good Samaritan Foundation's 2021 Pearl Ball — perhaps unknowingly fittingly themed A Night Under the Stars — and had pushed the date back due to the pandemic and a broken water main. But on this night's event, the adage "the show must go on" rang as true as ever.

After guests enjoyed a well-lit cocktail hour set to the sounds of the David Caceres Band, the lights flickered and went out as dinner was being brought out. But Blooming Gallery's tablescapes luckily included plenty of candles, which illuminated the ballroom, and the band continued with some saxophone tunes. And the kitchen miraculously continued to churn out piping-hot dinner for the 150 guests.

Power was restored after about an hour, and partygoers celebrated on the dance floor. The evening raised $220,000 for the Good Samaritan Foundation, which recognizes the hard work of the nursing community and grants scholarships to nursing students.