IN Sewickley Area Spring 2014 | Page 10

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. 8 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Sewickley Area