New York Junior League's Winter Ball At The Plaza

[all photos by Max Rapp for PMc] On Saturday, the New York Junior League held its 58th Winter Ball at The Plaza Grand Ballroom. President Gena Lovett and the Winter Ball Committee honored the past year's outstanding volunteers, and Andre Leon Talley did some of that too...but he also upped the definition of "black tie."

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As an organization of women dedicated to improving communities through volunteering, The New York Junior League also seeks to improve the health and well-being of children and families in the New York area.

Founded in 1901 by 19 year-old Mary Harriman, the goal of the league was for young girls living in the city to offer their time and skills to make a positive impact on the city's living conditions. The best way to bring about these kinds of changes, Harriman thought, was to have highly-trained professionals donate their time and knowledge in order to encourage widespread change.

Today, the league's volunteers (85% of whom are employed full-time at other jobs) address the various needs of families, from dealing with instances of domestic violence to strengthening communities by creating new opportunities for young children as well as senior citizens.