WHY   To benefit the American Heart Association

WHERE   Hilton Americas Houston

WHEN  February 11

More than 700 attendees showed up in their finest to support the American Heart Association Ball. The evening featured many welcome surprises throughout the night, especially during the live auction which culminated in a winning bid for one of six 2012 Sewell Houston vehicles. There was much success raising funds, which resulted in more than $1.3 million raised to combat heart disease and stroke. And the “Beat Went On” after the Ball with the Young at Heart, the young professionals’ group for the American Heart Association, as they grooved long into the night to tunes by Commercial Art and Infinite Groove.

Photography by Alexander’s Fine Portrait Design

WHY  To benefit Dress for Success Houston

WHERE   Jackson’s Watering Hole

WHEN   February 11

Women of Wardrobe hosted a crowd of Dress for Success Houston supporters at Jackson’s Watering Hole. The young and hip crowd spent the gorgeous afternoon learning more about W.O.W. and raising over $14,000 for DFSH! The guests enjoyed delish delights from Jason’s Deli, A Fare Extraordinaire and Community Bar consisting of an amazing spread of sandwiches, sweet potato chips, soft pretzels paired with a stellar blueberry vinaigrette all while perusing the unreal raffle packages that were at stake. From a foodie lover’s dream, filled with gift cards from Uchi and Triniti, to the not yet opened Underbelly and Katsuya, or the Girls Night Out featuring two Mary Nichols clutches, 2 blowouts at Do Bar and dinner for two at benjyʼs, to name a few. Of course they didn’t forget about their guys: Texans fans fought after the signed and framed Matt Schaub jersey and the amazing Guys Package with a custom shirt from A. Taghi, a custom fly rod, an array of whiskey and a steak dinner at Sullivan’s.

Photography by Roswitha Vogler

WHY  To benefit the League’s Community Program

WHERE  The Junior League of Houston

WHEN February 16

The Junior League of Houston hosted their 64th annual Charity Ball, Starry Night Ball, over three evenings with over 850 guests in attendance and raising $930,000 for various community projects. Junior League entertainment chair Casey Schrade presented a rousing variety show directed by Bill Bartlett and choreographed by Mistie Porter, which brought the glamorous crowd to their feet. Both Friday and Saturday evenings featured one-of-a-kind luxe items on the popular “Big Board”: a vacation package provided by Exclusive Resorts Luxury Destination, a jewelry item donated by Nacol & Co. and a year of women’s shoes donated by LUCHO.

Photography by Michael Martinez

WHY  To benefit The River programs

WHERE  The Junior League of Houston

WHEN February 17

The River Performing & Visual Arts Center (The River) welcomed more than 250 guests to this year’s celebration. Event-goers flocked to the Junior League to enjoy a night of festivities and to pay tribute to the nonprofit by raising funds for its arts education programs. Making the evening even more special, attendees were given a powerful presentation from The River performance troupe, which is comprised of students from both The River and The Academy at Humphreys School of Musical Theatre. In keeping with the theme of the night, they performed a piece based on the idea of “Dreamland.”

Photography by David Kraitman

Why To benefit Legacy Community Health Services

Where Hilton Americas

When January 21

Legacy Community Health Services 5^th Annual Cabaret for a Cure, featuring seven-time Grammy Award winner Al Jarreau, was a tremendous success. During the glamorous evening Margaret Alkek Williams was awarded the Shannon R. Schrader Humanitarian Award and Julie Eberly with the Visionary Award for all their support throughout Legacy’s 30 year journey. The large crowd of beautiful people were treated to a seated dinner, silent auction, and a special performance by Mr. Jarreau, who scatted his way to the stage and brought everyone to their feet.

Photography by Kim Coffman and Phillis Hand

Why Launch of Mercury Baroque’s Gala “Party Like It’s 1699!”

Where Up Restaurant in Highland Village

When January 18

Over 120 guests joined Mercury Baroque at Up Restaurant for an evening of food, drinks and fun to celebrate the kick-off for Mercury Baroque’s 2012 Gala “Party Like It’s 1699.” The event was hosted by gala chairs Sharin and Larry Norman, Up Restaurant’s Haidar Barbouti and Mercury Baroque’s Maestro, Antoine Plante. All were treated to delicious hors d’ouvres, wine, champagne and desserts while enjoying the open-air deck of the Highland Village restaurant. The evening was capped off by a fabulous and intimate performance of a Mozart piece by members of Mercury Baroque’s orchestra.

Photography by Priscilla Dickson

WHY To benefit Houston Wilderness

WHERE  The Galleria

WHEN December 20

Houston Wilderness and their Annual Luncheon Co-chairs, Elizabeth and Alan Stein, hosted a shopping fundraiser to celebrate the store opening of British luxe fashion brand, L.K.Bennett, at The Galleria. The shopping and cocktail event kicked off Houston Wilderness’s fundraising efforts for their annual luncheon this spring. The evening began with cocktails and appetizers while guests strolled and shopped through the new boutique, the fourth U.S. freestanding store and first Southwest location for the luxury brand.

Photography by Kim Coffman

Why Houston Symphony Ball Kick-Off

Where JP Morgan Chase

When January 22

Houston Symphony lovers attended a rockin’ evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and music. A Fare Extraordinaire provided delectable bites and sparkling elixirs served by young waiters decked out in all-black attire and 18^th-century powdered wigs. Models paraded throughout the crowd, courtesy of Tootsies, wearing women’s spring eveningwear by Monique Lhuillier, Naeem Khan and Elie Saab.

Photography by Jenny Antill