Former debutantes to co-chair The Cinderella Ball
A memorable evening 15 years ago inspired two friends to create that same remarkable experience for other young women.
Kelly Waldman and Courtney Elizabeth Benson were debutantes at the 81st Cinderella Ball in 2007. The night inspired them to become co-chairs for the 96th annual event on May 28 at the Allegheny Country Club in Sewickley.
“It’s like a sorority,” said Benson, of Pine, now a mom of two daughters, Brinsley Grace and Blakelyn. “It’s a sisterhood, and it’s important to carry on the tradition. I love that every year the girls curtsy (as they are presented) and share a dance with their fathers. It’s such a special moment … one you remember forever.”
For Waldman, it is about coming full circle — being a debutante and co-leading the planning of a cherished moment for the seven young ladies who will be honored.
“The event speaks for itself,” said Waldman, of Fox Chapel. “It’s a fairytale evening.”
The magical night includes the live announcement of Prince Charming, a young bachelor whose name is a well-kept secret until he makes his formal entrance at the ball. Prince Charming randomly selects one of the debutantes to be Cinderella. He pulls her name from a beautifully decorated pumpkin before whisking her to the dance floor for a waltz.
One of the most notable men to serve as Prince Charming, a young Henry John Heinz III, later served Pennsylvania as a U.S. Senator.
After the father/daughter waltz and the grand march, guests enjoy dinner, followed by dancing… until the stroke of midnight.
2021 Cinderella and Prince
The Cinderella Ball is Pittsburgh’s oldest fund-raiser and one of the longest-running debutante balls in the U.S.
Debutantes dress in white gowns and don long white gloves in the traditional cotillion style, and are presented for recognition on the arms of their fathers or presenter at the ball.
Last year’s event was postponed from January 2021 to June 2021. It was held at Allegheny Country Club, which could accommodate an outdoor setting because of the pandemic. It has previously been held for more than two decades at the Omni William Penn Hotel, Downtown Pittsburgh.
The Cinderella Ball supports local civic and charitable organizations financially and through the debutantes’ volunteer efforts. Debutantes are required to do a minimum of 30 hours of volunteer service with the beneficiary.
They spent more than 300 hours at The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium in Highland Park, helping with activities and events such as holiday wreath-making, breakfast with Santa, ZooBoo, Wild Illuminations, and the Asian Lantern Festival. They also learned about the zoo’s conservation efforts.
In addition to the zoo, they filled knapsacks with school supplies at the Pittsburgh Field Club for kids transitioning between foster homes. The bags were donated to the Foster Love Project. They also spent time at Make-A-Wish, Youth Leadership Council, South Butler Library, Ronald McDonald House, Pittsburgh Food Bank, Urban Pathways, Allegheny County Parks, Scouts BSA, United Way, and Homeless Children’s Education Fund.
They were able to volunteer at other locations through the Leadership Forum for Young Women, which launched in 2020. It provides experiences at the primary beneficiary and other non-profits. The debutantes attended networking events with guest speakers and professional development training.
The ball is hosted by the Cinderella Women’s Committee, which awards a scholarship to the debutante who has contributed the most volunteer hours and demonstrated an outstanding commitment to volunteer leadership.
Waldman and Benson said what they learned from volunteering continues to be part of their lives today.
“You get to meet people from other schools and volunteer at organizations you might not know about,” Waldman said. “This class is pretty amazing. They are really polished and were devoted to volunteering. They put in extra hours.”
One of the debutantes, Francesca “Franki” Zocco Scragg, a senior at Shady Side Academy who lives in Sewickley Heights, learned about the ball through her older sister Izabella, a debutante in 2019.
“It was an amazing experience for my sister,” Francesca said. “I am definitely looking forward to it.”
She said having the opportunity to dance with her father, Paul Raymond Scragg, will be a moment to remember for the rest of her life. Learning the importance of helping others as she and her peers volunteered at the zoo and with other organizations was a unique experience, she said.
“Volunteering is a wonderful way to give back,” she said.
Waldman, who will be escorted by her father, Hal K. Waldman, said she and Benson continue to volunteer because of their experience as debutantes. They are thankful to the committee for having the confidence in them to chair the event.
“The Cinderella Ball taught me about the importance of philanthropy,” said Benson, who will be escorted by her husband Gregory Benson. “I’ve made a lot of lifelong friends through the Cinderella Ball. I am over the moon excited to share this evening with the debutantes and their families and as a co-chair with my friend. It will be a perfect evening.”
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region’s diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people and a weekly column about things to do in Pittsburgh. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of “A Daughter’s Promise.” She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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