The Junior League of Houston Raises Over $700,000 at Celebratory Centennial Ball
+6 The Junior League of Houston Raises Over $700,000 at Celebratory Centennial Ball
The Junior League of Houston Raises Over $700,000 at Celebratory Centennial Ball
The Junior League of Houston Raises Over $700,000 at Celebratory Centennial Ball
The Junior League of Houston Raises Over $700,000 at Celebratory Centennial Ball
The Junior League of Houston Raises Over $700,000 at Celebratory Centennial Ball
The Junior League of Houston Raises Over $700,000 at Celebratory Centennial Ball
The Junior League of Houston Raises Over $700,000 at Celebratory Centennial Ball
The Junior League of Houston Raises Over $700,000 at Celebratory Centennial Ball
The Junior League of Houston Raises Over $700,000 at Celebratory Centennial Ball
The Junior League of Houston—a longstanding nonprofit dedicated to “Building a Better Community” through trained, effective volunteers and financial support to community projects—raised more than $700,000 during its weekend-long Centennial Ball: Inspiring Icons at the Junior League of Houston (1811 Briar Oaks Lane, Houston, Texas 77027.)
This landmark gala was a pop art-inspired, immersive historical experience commemorating the start of The Junior League’s centennial anniversary year, which will feature additional centennial celebration events and a centennial capital campaign. Chaired by Dionella Martinez, over 500 guests enjoyed live entertainment, casino games, dancing, a wine, whiskey and tequila pull, a silent and live auction and a Friday after-party sponsored by Camp Aspen. In keeping with the League’s unique mission of developing the potential of young women, the affair was brought to life by more than 150 League members who came together to plan, decorate and execute the events.
Both nights included a successful “paddles up” fundraiser, where guests raised their paddles and committed to donating between $5,000 and $100 to support the League’s community efforts and member training.
The Friday, February 7th program included Briana Conner, a beloved ABC13 reporter and anchor, as the emcee for the evening, along with DJ Mohawk Steve.
The sold-out Saturday, February 8th program included Courtney Zavala, a prominent local influencer, as the evening’s emcee. Texas State Champion Auctioneer Logan Thomas led the guests to bid on live auction items such as Sewell Car For All Seasons, an Argentina dove hunt, and a private party at Pizzana hosted by Candace Nelson. Guests danced to music from Houston-based Radio Live before ending the evening with late-night tacos from Mi Cocina.
The family-focused open house on February 6, 2025, welcomed League members, Houston families and prospective members to a special family-friendly “night at the museum” event highlighting the rich history of The Junior League.
“This year marks such a significant anniversary for The Junior League. We have been offering women a place for leadership development and community service for 100 years,” said the League’s President, Mary Lee Wilkens. “The many contributions of League members in the past century have helped shape and build our strong community here in Houston. Additionally, I am so grateful to Dionella Martinez, Judy Peterson, and Natalie Irvin for their dedication to making this Centennial Ball a night to remember for the next 100 years!”
The two-night affair and open house raised instrumental funds to support the nonprofit’s mission. The support received from the Centennial Ball allows the League to empower women to address the most significant issues impacting the city of Houston. The Junior League trains and inspires members to be effective leaders committed to mentorship, development and civic service that positively impact Houston.
The League’s Community Partners and major underwriters of the Charity Ball were Texas Children’s Hospital, the League’s Premier Community Partner, Sewell Automotive Companies, the League’s Presenting Automotive Sponsor, CCRM Fertility Houston, The Woman’s Hospital of Texas and Camp Aspen.
ABOUT THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF HOUSTON
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 Houston community. The Junior League trains volunteers to be effective leaders in the community well beyond their active membership requirements. With over 4,000 members, the League encourages mentorship and development, cultivating a lifetime of civic service for thousands of women. The League can triple the value of each donation received by pairing it with trained volunteers. For more information, please visit www.jlh.org.
