Jeannie Rich Chandler, Richard Nevins as Lady Gaga,
Perry Ann Reed. Photo by:  Kathryn Smith
 

Houston, Texas – February 8, 2011 – As they say, “The Show Must Go On”, that is exactly what The Junior League of Houston, Inc. did Saturday night, drawing a record crowd of 450 guest. Upon arrival, the circle drive was beaming with ruby lighting showcasing the platinum Aston Martin parked in front, courtesy of the Houston Motor Club.  As guests pulled up under the porte cochere, they ascended the red carpet stairs and took a step into the glamorous world of James Bond. The signature cocktail, the “GoldenEye” greeted guests upon arrival, amidst the sounds of classic Bond songs such as “For Your Eyes Only,” “Live and Let Die,” and “Nobody Does it Better,” to set the tone for the evening.

Casino Royale was presented by Junior League President, Jeannie Rich Chandler, Charity Ball Chairman, Kimberly Berry Hankamer, and Underwriting Chairman, Becky Kinder Pivec.  The presenting underwriter for this year’s event is JLH Community Partner, Weatherford International Ltd. The Charity Ball is the primary source of funding for the League’s Community Program and all underwriting dollars for the event go directly to support the League’s community efforts, which will provide over $2 million in trained volunteer time and direct financial support to more than 34 community and League-initiated programs.

This year’s Variety Show featured song and dance routines performed ranged from Beyonce, Marilyn Monroe to James Bond melodies. Longtime JLH supporter Richard Nevins even put on his “Poker Face” when he made a surprise visit as Lady Gaga during the finale. The show was choreographed by Bill Bartlett and Mistie Porter.

Following the ‘Licensed to Grill” dinner, guests were transported back in time to the glamorous days of Monte Carlo, when tuxedoed Bond men were de riguer. The Ballroom was turned into a gaming lounge, with walls draped in black fabric, and Baccarat chandeliers were transformed into ruby red pendants of glamour. Sleek white leather lounge seating generously donated by Art Attack, and acrylic chairs provided Swift + Co. were complimented with an array of gaming tables which included blackjack, roulette, poker, and craps tables, as well as a wheel of fortune. Many thanks to Darryl & Co, who went above and beyond with embracing the Casino Royale theme and making the Junior League event come to life.

Pit bosses kept a sharp eye on whales and big spenders who were competing to win the coveted “High Roller” title and trophy awarded at the end of the evening. The custom made action bond figure trophy encrusted in Swarovski crystal was awarded to Cara Koza.

Guests in the crowd included: Perry Ann and John Reed, Susie and Ashe Ackerman, Cynthia and Mickey Mills, Lauren and Warren Harris, Ronnie and Kathy Hankamer, Dorothy and Mickey Ables, Loretta and Robert Moses, Joan and John Scales from Texas Children's, Bonnie and Jack Chandler, Joan and Chris Pappas, Robin and John Milutin, Carol and Brad Deason and Elizabeth Farish.

The 2010 – 2011 JLH Community Program:

AIDS Foundation Houston, Inc.

BEAR ... BE A Resource for CPS Kids

Camp Rainbow

Casa de Esperanza de los Niños

Child Advocates, Inc.

Children's Museum of Houston

CPR

DePelchin Children's Center

Done in a Day

Dress for Success Houston

Harris County Juvenile Probation Department

Holocaust Museum Houston

Houston Area Women's Center

Houston Food Bank

Houston Museum of Natural Science

Houston Zoo

Houston's Ronald McDonald House

Kids' Meals

Memorial Hermann - Texas Medical Center

Mentoring Young Girls - The Chinquapin School

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Pen Pals

Pet Therapy

Picture Pals

Reach Out and Read

SCORE (Spanish Community OutREach)

Sheltering Arms Senior Services

Sing Along with Seniors

Star of Hope

SuperKids Pediatric Mobile Clinic

Teen Health Clinic - Baylor College of Medicine

Texas Children's Hospital

The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

VIEW (Volunteers In Evening Workshop)