IN Hampton Spring 2014 | Page 12

INEVENTS A CINDERELLA STORY Once upon a time, on a snowy evening in 1924, several area young ladies gathered for a Debutante’s Ball on the arm of their fathers – and the event proved to be a magical evening that has continued almost every year since. The Cinderella Ball in Pittsburgh is the country’s second oldest cotillion for promising young ladies. This year, Allison Park resident Olivia Cochran, daughter of Rob and Christina Cochran, was chosen as Cinderella. Cochran’s name was drawn from among 20 young ladies who were presented as she was escorted by her father in a beautiful white ball gown. More than just an observance of tradition though, the ball raises several thousand dollars each year for area nonprofits such as Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, Animal Rescue League, the National Aviary and many more. Additionally, the young ladies presented at the ball are required to complete a minimum of 30 hours of volunteer service, with most girls contributing much more. This year’s event was held Jan. 25 at the Omni William Penn in downtown Pittsburgh with the presentees appearing in their traditional white lace and silk gowns amid a sea of pink roses and crystal. The Cinderella Ball is open to all races, nationalities and schools. For more information on the event, visit CinderellaBall.info. PHOTOS AND TEXT BY Kathy Rudolph Olivia Cochran, seated, daughter of Robert and Christina Cochran, attends Shadyside Academy and lives in Allison Park. Donna Francesca Pellegrini, standing, daughter of Dr. Ronald Pellegrini and Dr. Donna Lucas, attends Shadyside Academy and lives in Wexford. 10 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Hampton