The Inaugural Ball
A Tradition of Celebration, Leadership and Community Impact
Since 1933, the Junior League of Raleigh has had the honor of hosting events associated with the North Carolina Governor’s Inaugural Ball.
This longstanding tradition brings together civic engagement, community celebration and philanthropy while showcasing the leadership and service of generations of Junior League of Raleigh members.
The nonpartisan Inaugural Ball events celebrate North Carolina while helping JLR continue its mission to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration and training.
More Than a Celebration
Celebrating North Carolina. Supporting North Carolinians.
The impact of the Inaugural Ball extends far beyond the celebration itself.
Proceeds from Inaugural Ball events have been designated to programs and organizations supporting North Carolinians, allowing this special tradition to create meaningful impact throughout our state.
Over the years, funds raised through Inaugural Ball events have benefited organizations and initiatives including:
- Communities in Schools of North Carolina
- North Carolina Smart Start
- Project Enlightenment
- SAFEchild
- The Boys & Girls Clubs of Wake County
- Heritage Park’s Community Learning Center
2025 Inaugural Ball
A Celebration of North Carolina
The Junior League of Raleigh was proud to continue its longstanding tradition with the 2025 North Carolina Governor’s Inaugural Ball events.
The 2025 celebration honored everything that makes North Carolina special while directing proceeds toward an urgent need facing communities across our state.
Supporting Western North Carolina
Proceeds from the 2025 Inaugural Ball were designated to support Western North Carolina hurricane recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.
The Junior League of Raleigh Board of Directors selected two organizations as beneficiaries:
Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina
Supporting communities and families across Northwest North Carolina, including those affected by Hurricane Helene.
Community Foundation of Western North Carolina
Supporting recovery and community needs throughout Western North Carolina.
Through these partnerships, the impact of the 2025 Inaugural Ball extended well beyond the celebration and helped support North Carolinians during a time of significant need.
A JLR Tradition
Generations of Women Making It Possible
Behind each Inaugural Ball are Junior League of Raleigh members who bring their leadership, creativity, volunteer service, and event expertise together to create an extraordinary experience.
For generations, JLR members have helped plan and execute these historic celebrations while using the opportunity to create something larger than the event itself.
Their work reflects something that has defined the Junior League of Raleigh throughout its history:
Women bringing their talents together to lead, serve, and strengthen their communities.
Part of Our History
The Inaugural Ball is one chapter in nearly a century of Junior League of Raleigh leadership and community impact.
From programs and organizations that JLR helped establish to investments in nonprofit partners and initiatives responding to emerging community needs, generations of JLR members have worked to turn leadership into action.
Looking Ahead
Information about future North Carolina Governor’s Inaugural Ball activities will be shared as it becomes available.
Until then, we invite you to explore the many ways you can support the Junior League of Raleigh and help continue our tradition of women’s leadership and meaningful community impact.
Thank You
To everyone who attended, volunteered, partnered with, or supported the 2025 Inaugural Ball, thank you for being part of this historic JLR tradition and helping extend its impact across North Carolina.
Gov. Josh Stein and First Lady Anna Stein dance at the 2025 North Carolina Governor’s Inaugural Ball. Photo by Sean Rowe.