Lavish Cars, Ball Gowns and Women of Distinction – Glitz and Glam at the 2016 Winter Ball
2016 Women of Distinction Photo by Priscilla Dickson
It’s that time of the year when the nation starts bustling with excitement for the Oscar awards night, and ABC 13’s Women of Distinction Winter Ball is just a reminder just how fashionable Houston is.
The Winter Ball is one of the most extravagant social events of Houston, presenting elite ladies in fabulous gowns walking the red carpet. This year it was held on January 23, 2016 at the Hilton Americas Downtown Houston. Each year the gala has a theme; this year’s theme The Age of Aquarius, made for an incredible journey with vibrant pink and aqua floating orbs and a star lit background. The room was beautifully decorated with white linen tablecloths, candles and breathtaking centerpieces by Linda McIngvale and the team at A Memorable Event.
2016 honoree Lynn Walsh on the runway Photo by Kim Coffman
With a powerhouse of 615 board members, sponsors, media representatives, patients, healthcare representatives, family and friends the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation-South Texas Chapter 29th Annual Winter Ball raised $817,000 for Crohn’s disease detection and prevention. CCFA helps improve the lives of Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis patients and supports the medical community here in Houston.
The lavish evening had prominent ABC-13 News Anchors Tom Koch and Melanie Lawson serve as emcees. The 2016 Winter Ball was chaired by Jana Arnoldy and Susan Arnoldy Hansen, who were supported by many formerly recognized Women of Distinction.
Amongst the 2016 Women of Distinction honorees, who are recognized for their volunteerism and community service, were Gina Bhatia, Estela Cockrell, Gina Gaston Elie, Lisa Holthouse, Mady Kades, DeeDee Marsh, Paula Mendoza, Jo Ann Petersen, Barbara Van Postman and Lynn Walsh.
Phoebe Tudor was named the 2016 Ambassador and High school senior Bradlee Few was recognized as the Rising Star. Allie Doyle was named the Honored Hero of the night who shared her story as a patient diagnosed with Crohn’s disease.
The evening came to an end with a fabulous live auction, followed by party goers enjoying drinks and dancing to the tunes of popular band ‘Password’.
Inputs by Shruti Chakraborty
2016 Women of Distinction DeeDee Marsh, Jo Ann Petersen, and Mady Kades Photo by Priscilla Dickson
2016 Age of Aquarius Photo by Kim Coffman
Co-Chair CCFA medical advisory committee Seema and Michael Walsh Photo by Kim Coffman
Margaret Alkek Williams and Nelson Bowman (UNICEF) Photo by Kim Coffman
Shruti Chakraborty and Ruchi Mukherjee Photo by Priscilla Dickson
Main auction item, Mercedes-Benz 450 GLE AMG Coupe Photo by Kim Coffman
2016 Women of Distinction Photo by Priscilla Dickson
Co-Chairs Jana Arnoldy and Susan Hansen Photo by Priscilla Dickson
