The Missouri City – Sugar Land Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Incorporated presented 25 young men to Houston society at its 17th Biennial Beautillion Ball on Wednesday, December 27, 2017. With more than 700 guests in attendance, the elegant Hilton Americas – Houston served as the backdrop for the societal debut of the 25 young men represented by the Missouri City – Sugar Land, Houston, Greater Channel, North Houston Suburban, South Belt Houston and The Woodlands chapters of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated. This year’s Beaux included young men classified as high school juniors through college freshmen. They were escorted by elegantly attired Belles who served as their partners for the traditional waltz performed the evening of the ball.
The Beautillion experience is comprised of a season of enriching events that focus on educational, personal and professional development. This year’s season kicked off with a Mothers’ Luncheon at the Houston Petroleum Club. The signature events of the 2017 Beautillion season included a Beaux & Belle’s social, a golf clinic held at the Royal Oaks Country Club, a financial management workshop held at the offices of McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP and hosted by Odysseus Lanier (MJLM) along with Christopher Hubbard (Wells Fargo), a worship experience at Windsor Village United Methodist Church, an etiquette workshop at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, a clothier experience at McQueen’s Custom Tailor & Shoes and a group community service project at the Houston Alumni and Youth (HAY) Center.
The formal was co-emceed by Houston’s very own ReShonda Tate-Billingsley, National Best-Selling Author and Chauncy Glover, Anchor KTRK-TV Channel 13. The evening included the presentation of the 2017 Beautillion class, tributes by the beaux to their loved ones, a group dance by the beaux and an elegant traditional waltz as the grand finale. Guests also enjoyed musical performances by Al’ter Ego.
This year’s event benefited both the Jack and Jill of America Foundation and the HAY Center. The event was co-chaired by Sharon Garner, Janene Roberson-Marshall, and Jackie Ward under the leadership of Dr. Erika Gentry, the president of the Missouri City-Sugar Land chapter. In her welcome for the evening’s event, President Gentry stated “…As we celebrate the achievements of these young men, we must also recognize their parents who have laid the foundation for them as they transition into manhood. Job well done!”
The 2017 Beautillion Class includes: Leo Wesley Benford, II, Joshua Chretien, Jared Cyprian, Jason Few, Gregory Foster, II, Chandler Green, Lethan Hampton, Gabriel Hargrove, Malik Harrison, Clark Hudson, Cameran Hyde, Langston Louis, Noah McCollum, Adam Myres, Erwin Portis, Justin Price, Lionel Russell, IV, Ajani Smith-Washington, Mitchel Tillman, Tate Toole, Matthew Washington, Jr., Joshua Webster, Alexander Williams, Jared Wilson, and Justin Wilson.
Jack and Jill of America is a membership organization of mothers with children ages 2-19, dedicated to nurturing future African-American leaders by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty.