Inside the Crystal Ball: Celebrating the 83rd Annual Gala of the Helping Hand Society of Austin
Debutantes, families and guests gather for an evening of tradition, elegance and philanthropy
Nearly three thousand distinguished guests gathered at the Fairmont Austin on Saturday, Feb. 28 for one of the largest celebrations of the year, the Helping Hand Society of Austin’s 83rd annual gala, The Crystal Ball. Chaired by Kerri Ann Chambless and Ginny Liverman, the philanthropic event featured a full day of festivities, beginning at 10 a.m. with a brunch and fashion show and the presentation of the ball’s First Grade Princesses, which includes an introduction of the Helping Hand girls (ninth graders) and the college-aged debutantes.
Guests reconvened that evening for the event’s hallmark black-tie Debutante Presentation where ninth grade Helping Hand boys and girls were also presented. Excitement permeated the Fairmont Austin as thousands of elegantly dressed guests reunited with friends and family to welcome a lovely group of debutantes into society.
At the Crystal Ball
After a spirited cocktail hour, guests were treated to a delicious meal before the ninth grade Helping Hand boys and girls were presented one-by-one, followed by the presentation of debutantes, their escorts and junior escorts. A grand backdrop reminiscent of the interior of an 18th-century European ballroom, framed by luxurious velvet drapery and accented with elegant tassels provided by Unique Design and Events, transformed the interior of Fairmont’s Manchester Ballroom. The Crystal Ball’s signature chandeliers hung above, casting a warm glow across the stage where each debutante made her bow.
Debutantes dressed in classic white ballgowns made their grand entrance from the back of the ballroom escorted by Austin’s finest young men. The couples proceeded down the blush-colored aisles to the Stage One where each debutante made her bow. After each debutante made her bow, a junior escort presented her with a lovely bouquet of pink roses, hydrangeas and orchids provided by Westbank Flower Market.
About Helping Hand Home for Children
Funds from the evening benefitted Helping Hand Home for Children, an organization that has provided a nurturing home for children since 1893. Through a continuum of care, they provide a safe haven for children to heal. Their three program areas include: foster, adoption and post-adopt services, 24-hour residential and therapeutic care and an onsite University of Texas Charter School. Helping Hand Home seeks to enrich, educate and empower through loving care, professional treatment and innovative evidence-based services that heal.
To donate or get involved, visit helpinghandhome.org.