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 night 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. More than just an observance of tradition though, the ball raises several
thousand dollars each year for area nonprofits such as Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, the
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Manchester Craftsman’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 ladies appearing in their traditional white lace and silk gowns amid a sea of pink
roses and crystal.
Ellington Muse of Sewickley, daughter of Chip and Courtney Muse, was presented on
the arm of her father. Ellington is the third generation to attend the ball.
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
Members of the Rick
Purcell Big Band
Ellington Pierce Muse and her
father, Chip Muse.
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