Rob Giardinelli
The “World Of Wonder” Glitzy Theme Dazzled Guests With A Vibrant, Immersive Experience
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Derek Gower
THE SCENE: The Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth was the recent setting for one of North Texas’s most stunning, captivating, and successful signature fundraising events. Over 1,400 of the area’s most notable community leaders, children’s advocates, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for the 71st Annual Jewel Charity Ball. Benefiting Cook Children’s Health Care System, the “World of Wonder”-themed night served up delectable food, stunning imagery, and dazzling entertainment, resulting in an unforgettable evening for guests and Fort Worth fundraising.
THE VIBE: The black-tie crowd donned an elegant array of formal ensembles. In the crowd, one could spot a mix of traditional formal looks, bold colors, prints, metallics, and sequins. The result was a festive, happy environment where everyone felt like family.
From the moment guests entered the Amon G. Carter Jr. Exhibits Hall, they knew they were in for a very special evening. After walking through the an indoor garden featuring boxwoods and florals, they entered the cocktail hour through iconic green door of the 71st Annual Jewel Charity Ball’s Official Jeweler, Margot McKinney, where patrons were promptly greeted event also kept its tradition of having Fort Worth Debutantes and Jewel Charity Ball event chairs donning Margot McKinney jewels, which allowed everyone to view the vibrant pieces up close.
Guests were eager to head to the bar to grab their favorite spirit and enjoy aerialists posing as living chandeliers hovering above each bar. After revelers received their favorite cocktail, they had the opportunity to mingle with other guests, reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. Others took the opportunity to view additional pieces of Margot McKinney’s jewels in displayed cases, beautifully complemented by stunning floral bouquets of purple, pink, orange, red, and white flowers.
Those looking for a light bite before dinner had the chance to experience a one-of-a-kind food experience. The caviar bar helmed by none other than legendary, acclaimed Chef Wolfgang Puck, who personally took a place behind the bar and prepared caviar bumps for elated guests.
The festivities continued as the crowd took to their seats for dinner. Guests were wowed by the backdrop of instrumentalists performing on string instruments, which added an extra layer of sophisticated elegance. The space was decked out with a stunning palette featuring tablecloths in Margot McKinney’s signature green brand color, Lucite chairs, chandeliers, votives of varying sizes, and vibrant bouquets. Rounding out the space… literally, was green uplighting around the perimeter to tie everything together.
Once dinner was finished, energized revelers headed to the dance floor to dance to live entertainment courtesy of New York-based Élan Artists. The dazzling performances by acclaimed bands, Sound House and GirlPower, as well as the tunes of DJ Rhone, ensured the party continued into the wee hours of the morning, and capping off one of Fort Worth’s most fun, impactful, and anticipated galas of the year.
THE NON-PROFIT: The 71st Annual Jewel Charity Ball, chaired by Regan Haggerty, Susan Medina, Kelley Roberts, and Heather Senter, raised funds for the Cook Children’s Health Care System. Proceeds raised from the event will go toward providing patients and their families with world-class medical care and support that fulfill the organization’s mission to improve the well-being of every child in their care.
