THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF HOUSTON RAISED $800,000 AT 70TH ANNUAL CHARITY BALL

Women’s Organization Honors Timeless Tradition and a Beautiful Legacy with “Une Belle Nuit”

WHO: The Junior League of Houston, Inc., an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

Chair: Jayne Sheehy Johnston

WHAT: The Junior League of Houston hosted its 70th Annual Charity Ball, Une Belle Nuit, and raised $800,000 to fund the Junior League’s Community Program and other volunteer initiatives. Inspired by the magic of Paris, the glamour of the French Riviera and the beauty of Versailles, this year’s theme captured the joie de vivre of the French spirit, celebrating the beauty in the lives touched within the League’s membership and throughout the community.

Held over two nights, guests began each evening making their way into a warmly lit tent and enjoyed light bites with cocktail in hand while browsing silent auction items sous les étoiles. Friday night guests had the chance to witness artist Patti Stenson as she created a custom piece of Marie Antoinette for the live auction that night. After cocktail hour, guests made their way to the Ballroom to enjoy a delectable dinner provided by Michael Smith, the Tea Room Chef, including delicious offerings like roasted beef tenderloin, mushroom risotto and chocolate mousse to finish it off. The live auction and Marie Antoinette and Louis XIV-inspired show performed by League members kept the excitement going throughout the evening. The French-inspired fête continued into the night on Saturday as guests stayed for Late Night at NOCTURNE, enjoying night caps, dessert and dancing in la boîte de nuit. The silent and live auctions took place each night, and included fabulous items such as a VIP Indy 500 experience donated by AJ Foyt Enterprises, a private tour of the Houston Museum of Natural Science’s Cockrell Butterfly Center, and a Houston Astros homerun package, including dinner with Reid Ryan, President of the Astros, in the Diamond Club.

Since 1949, the annual Charity Ball has been an integral source of funding for the Junior League’s Community Program and volunteer initiatives. The Junior League of Houston partners with organizations to deliver services and assistance directly to those in need, delivering positive change through the efforts of its highly trained and empowered female volunteers. In 2017 – 2018, more than 1,400 dedicated volunteers, 82 percent of whom work outside of the home, will contribute over 100,000 hours of service in the Houston community. The mentoring relationships fostered within many of these community projects and between League members cultivate civic leadership and a tradition of service.

WHEN: Friday, February 2, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, February 3, at 7 p.m.

WHERE: Junior League of Houston, 1811 Briar Oaks Ln, Houston, TX 77027

WHAT ELSE: From addressing critical issues such as children’s health and education and abuse of women and children, to enhancing the community through cultural enrichment, The Junior League of Houston, Inc. continues to adapt to meet the evolving needs of its membership and the community. The League trains volunteers to be effective in the community well beyond their membership requirements. With almost 5,000 members, the League encourages mentorship and development, cultivating a lifetime of civic service for thousands of women. Through the achievements of its members and generous donors, the League will contribute more than $2 million in volunteer time and direct financial support to 38 community projects and other volunteer initiatives in 2017 – 2018. The League is able to triple the value of each donation received by pairing it with trained volunteers.  For more information, please visit https://www.jlh.org/ or call 713.622.4191.