Poise, grace, and philanthropy highlight 61st annual Winter Ball

Snowflakes lights twinkled during December 22 in the historic Westin St. Francis hotel in San Francisco.  The 61^st annual Winter Ball produced by Hill Branch and co-chairs Laura Giles and Carol Leslie, celebrated and honored nine young women for their academic, athletic, artistic, and philanthropic achievements. 

Honorees were Jane Andersen, Julia de Petra, Halle Potterton, Auden Walter and Katherine Wiesbrock from Piedmont, along with Evan Fuller (Orinda) , Grace Mani (Lafayette), Katherine Peterson (Canyon), and Hannah Shelby (Alamo). With their mature and elegant poise, they highlighted the importance of philanthropic work, specifically for UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland.

The Dick Bright Orchestra entertained guests until the wee hours of the morning after family and friends were inspired by the words from keynote speaker Brian Warner RN. Guests and honorees learned about the importance of the $150,000 Transport Isolette, which proceeds from the Winter Ball will fund.  This highly specialized piece of equipment allows very small infants to thrive and survive as they are transported from place of birth via helicopter or ambulance to the hospital.

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This magical and important night was adorned with lighted Manzanita trees, twinkling snowflake lights, and a stage decorated as a wintery wonderland. While dancing the night away, hundreds of guests enjoyed a festive evening and also contributed to a great cause — one that helps to provide the best possible health care to all children, regardless of their ability to pay.

Long-term Hill Branch member, Sue Smegal,  mother of former debutante daughter Betsy Smegal Andersen, and grandmother to current debutante Jane Andersen,   said, “What a night! It’s like no one wanted the evening to end.”