Black & White Ball

Court Appointed Special Advocates’ annual Black & White Ball netted $1 million-plus and shined a light on the people who make a difference in the lives of kids in need.

THE PARTY When Court Appointed Special Advocates’ 370 guests stepped into the foyer of the Island Hotel’s ballroom for this year’s Black & White Ball, they entered a James Bond-style casino. And that was just the cocktail hour. THE GUESTS CASA CEO Kathryn Seebold chatted with longtime supporters like the ever-stylish Lauren Wong and Jaynine Warner, who stayed true to the color code in a black gown festooned with a bold white flower at the waist. Folks like Michael Mantyla and Tyler Mounce hit the tables, hoping to win a hand and score tickets to the opportunity drawing. THE HIGHLIGHTS Lourdes and Ted Nark, and Wendy and Larry Tenebaum were presented with Children’s Champion awards. Presiding Dependency Court Judge Maria Hernandez gave a moving keynote address. And there was more: A fund-the-mission drive garnered upward of $500,000; a live auction included a dream vacation in Thailand and pink sapphire earrings from Lugano Diamonds (those fetched $35,000 and $24,800, respectively); and an afterparty kept the action going late into the night. When all was said and done, more than $1.06 million had been netted. Special advocates, indeed. -Tina Borgatta

Photos by John Watkins Photography