By Carole Miller 

This week of society galas began like a dream as 29 beautiful young ladies dressed in billowing white gowns walked down the aisle surrounded by adoring family, friends and the flash of the paparazzi.

No, I’m not talking about a new reality show. I’m talking about the annual Symphony Belle Ball. This big event marks the day when the daughters of the well-to-do are introduced to San Antonio society.

At this year’s “Music by Moon Light” extravaganza, chaired by Dr. Peter and Carol McGanity, the San Antonio Symphony League presented the 2008 Symphony Belles: Alexandra Barrett, Allie Brady, Caitlin Brady, Grace Caldwell, Kate Cavender, Sarah Clemons, Morgan Davidson, Lindsey Dutton, Kelsey East, Elizabeth Friedman, Jennifer Hancock, Allison Kendall, Elaine Kuhn, Alexandra Lewenthal, Elizabeth Lyons, Katie Martin, Katherine McDonnell, Lauren McPherson, Katie Molak, Lauren Parra, Carey Pritchard, Samantha Rostek, Josephine Ruiz-Healy, Madison Sachanowicz, Chloe Smith, Lauren Solsbery, Nealy Stuckey, Peyton Thomas and Torrey Vaughan.

Welcome to society, ladies!

After that, to counteract my evening with the young and restless, I dined with the Sons of the Republic of Texas during a fancy-schmancy soiree at San Antonio Country Club. (Eat your heart out, ladies.)

The Sons of the Republic are direct lineal descendants of the men who settled the Republic of Texas prior to 1846. Chapter President Tom Jackson, along with members Tom Bagby and Tom Zumwalt immediately took me under their wing and introduced me to almost everyone in the room including Dale Berry, Forrester Smith, Delbert Berry, Robert Bohmfalk, Ed Steves, Tres Kleberg, Jack Hebdon and Chris Basse.

During dinner, I got to talk with community leaders Bob Kimmell, Bob James, Tom Whitmore, Kurt Wahrmund, Vernon Helmke and Mac Russ. Railroad Commissioner Elizabeth “You Go Girl” Ames Jones was the featured speaker in that room full of men. Her husband, Will Jones, is a member.

And finally, it was time to join the Junior League of San Antonio for the “Hula Happens” kick-off party and rummage sale at Freeman Coliseum. This eagerly anticipated event featured food from local restaurants, an open bar, specialty drinks, entertainment, live and silent auction, raffle and the first chance to get the best shopping.

My good friend Rick Cavender served as emcee that evening. When someone finally took the microphone away from him, we partied and shopped with all the Junior League big shots including Mindy Satterwhite, Melissa Murray, Linda Molina, Anne Ahlschwede, Sarah Fielden, Carolyn Kelley, Delaina Harrison, Angel Schneider, Tiffany Mills and Laura Talley.

So, until next week, in the words of my pal Rick, “You’ve been a wonderful audience.” (And I’m not just saying that.).