The 2011 Junior League of Dallas Ball

Lions, tigers and zebras, oh my… The Hilton Anatole’s Chantilly Ballroom was virtually unrecognizable, transformed into an exotic escape for Into Africa. An early VIP reception drew the line between the fat cats and the regulars. But the real social networking was with the 1,000 guests who mingled throughout and enjoyed the decadent seated dinner and big band entertainment. The sounds of roaring lions, hippos and shrill tree frogs greeted black-tie guests, including Pam and Vin Perella, Debbie and Nickey Oates, and Peggy and Carl Sewell, whose Sewell auto dealerships sponsored the evening. Mary Kay provided a “pink carpet” for guests to pose and channel their inner celebrity. Legendary pianist Peter Duchin jetted in from New York with his orchestra to perform jazz, swing and pop greats. Ball Chair D’Andra Simmons just happens to be the sweetheart of Duchin’s son, Colin Duchin. Philanthropist Linda Pitts Custard was the honorary chair of the Modern Luxury Dallas-sponsored gala, which raised nearly $1.2 million for JLD programs throughout the community.