World of Wonder

2026 Jewel Charity Ball | March 7, 2026

Nearly 1400 guests entered a World of Wonder beyond Margot McKinney’s iconic green door at the 71st Annual Jewel Charity Ball on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

Guests enjoyed a dazzling evening of cocktails, dancing and immersive entertainment as Jewel Charity honored the Angel Donors whose generosity supports the organization’s mission to provide for the patients at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth.

The Amon G. Carter Jr. Exhibits Hall within Fort Worth’s Will Rogers Memorial Center transformed into a grand ballroom bathed in green, the signature color of the event. In the center of the cocktail space, Margot McKinney, Jewel Charity’s Official Jeweler for 2025 – 2026, welcomed guests into an expansive but intimate showroom of her finest jewels. True to Jewel Charity’s tradition, the jewels were modeled by Fort Worth debutantes and the event’s four co-chairs: Regan Haggerty, Susan Medina, Kelley Roberts and Heather Senter.

“Jewel Charity’s World of Wonder far exceeded my wildest expectations,” said Lezlie Monteleone, 2025 – 2026 Jewel Charity President. “Thank you to Margot McKinney for generously serving as our Official Jeweler and inspiration for our 71st annual Ball.”

Upon entering the venue, guests were met with Margot McKinney’s iconic green door, set among boxwoods and florals reminiscent of a dreamy night garden. Further elements of “surprise and delight” awaited within the ballroom, where guests were greeted by entertainers including “living” chandeliers and flowers, and aerialists who performed from chandeliers strung above cocktail bars.

In addition to an impressive menu created by Wolfgang Puck Catering, guests also enjoyed the Wolfgang Puck Caviar Experience at two stations in the cocktail area. The star power of the evening was amplified when Chef Wolfgang Puck himself took a place behind the bar and began preparing caviar bumps to enjoy alongside the line of guests that quickly assembled.

“We were thrilled to welcome Chef Wolfgang Puck to Fort Worth for the Jewel Charity Ball,” Lezlie Monteleone said. “It was a true honor to share our celebration with the namesake of one of our most valued partners.”

After dinner, guests danced the night away to a high-powered performance by Sound House, GirlPower and DJ Rhome, presented by Élan Artists. Based out of New York, Élan Artists creates highly choreographed, curated performances designed to keep guests on the dance floor all night.