The sixtieth Jewel Ball, a benefit for The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the Kansas City Symphony, was held on June 21st at The Museum. Ellen Zimmer Darling (Mrs. Albert Darling, Jr.) was the chairman. She wore a beautiful custom-made Monique Lhuillier gown with a lattice embroidered silk linen gazar bodice in orchid and silk gazar skirt in poppy. 

In keeping with the milestone of the Diamond Anniversary Jubilee, bold changes were made to usher The Jewel Ball into a new era. Metallic tones, gold, silver, copper, and bronze set the ambiance for a glittery evening in a glorious garden setting. Upon entering Kirkwood Hall, eight foot tall boxwood hedges replaced the drapery. Thousands of white and diamond dusted butterflies were suspended above the presentation stage, where the debutantes, gentlemen and escorts of the Ball waltzed. The tables were dressed in copper and bronze sequins, or gold and silver sequins all shimmering and sparkling in the candlelight. Bold coral peony and hot orange rose arrangements dotted the room. The presentation stage included a floor to ceiling boxwood hedge with large convex mirrors and gold leaf medallions. Oversized garden orbs and huge flower spheres flanked the stage. To accompany the seated dinner offered in Rozzelle Court, the tables sparkled with soft blush and silver sequins and silver coin tablecloths. The simple elegance of the table centerpieces and hundreds of butterflies fluttering above the fountain made the room sparkle and shimmer, creating a wonderful dinner in the “secret garden.” The Bloch Building dining tables were dressed in a gold under cloth with a crisp, silver coin over cloth. Oversized nickel bowls brimmed with hot pink, fuchsia and coral flowers. The comfortable lounge furniture provided a wonderful place for guests to watch the presentation, listen to the band and then dance the night away. Mary Shaw Branton (Mrs. William Coleman Branton) was the honorary chairman, and Ellen Merriman (Mrs. Michael Atha Merriman) was the vice chairman.

Also featured in the July 26th issue of The Independent
Photo Credit: Mary S. Watkins Photography