Inside the 2020 Winter Ball!

Zane Carruth and Ed McMahon
Zane Carruth and Ed McMahon

Saturday's Winter Ball, benefiting the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation and honoring the Women of Distinction, was a fitting way to kick off a new decade of glam galas and philanthropic fetes.


More than 500 guests, all dressed to impress in wintry gowns, cozy furs and sharp tuxedos, enjoyed a festive cocktail hour while bidding on silent-auction items before filtering into the ballroom of the Hilton Americas hotel. Event chairs and former honorees Lesha Elsenbrook and Bobbie Nau transformed the space with the help of sleek lounge furniture and eye-catching LED light displays that changed and moved throughout the night.

After an exciting live auction — prizes included IW Marks baubles and a Sewell Automotive Companies car — emcee Tom Koch presented the 2020 Women of Distinction, who were recognized for their commitment to volunteerism: Cheryl Byington, Zane Carruth, Theresa Chang, Elsie Eckert, Myrtle Jones, Brigitte Kalai, Kelley Lubanko, Joy McCormack, Hannah McNair and Mary Tere Perusquia, along with the year's “ambassador," Betty Hrncir. Per the Winter Ball custom, the ladies were presented on the arms notable “escorts," this year including a few young Crohn's survivors, as well as top medical experts in the field. Also, Jeff Gremillion — editor of CityBook, a sponsor of the ball — took part. Several Crohn's patients shared their journeys with the disease and expressed gratitude for the Winter Ball's fundraising efforts.

After a seated dinner, guests packed the dance floor for an after-party sponsored by H-E-B. The evening's total till topped $800,000.

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

AS WE MOVE into Movember, men’s mental health is a big topic. In fact, men can get a lot of benefit, both mentally and physically by taking advantage of everything a spa has to offer. LeBrina Jackson, owner of Escape Spa, has the answers

How does Escape Spa cater to men? We designed Escape Spa to ensure both men and women feel comfortable and welcome. From our earth tones to our luxury brown unisex robes, this is not a pampering palace but a rejuvenation destination.

Keep Reading Show less

Jessica and Ryan Getz, Grace Ward

HOUSTON NONPROFIT Dec My Room threw a country-music-filled bash at House of Blues, where supporters two-stepped the night away and raised record-breaking proceeds, which will be used to decorate and customize hospital rooms of pediatric and young-adult patients all over the country. To date, the organization has improved the attitudes and healing process of 18,000 patients in nearly 200 hospitals.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties