The Women’s Board of Akron Children’s Hospital’s 114th Charity Ball drew 580 people to E.J. Thomas Hall on Wednesday evening.
Bill Considine, president and CEO of Akron Children’s Hospital, and his wife, Becky, greeted guests, noting it was his 38th Charity Ball. “However it goes back farther if you count the years I spent parking cars as a student at the University of Akron, before I actually attended the ball,” Considine said.
Bonnie Childs chaired the event, which featured the debut of 36 lovely young ladies, chosen for their volunteer activities as well as their families’ dedication to giving back to the community.
Her husband, John Childs, looking spiffy in his plaid cummerbund, confided the couple celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary at the ball.
Also joining the receiving line were Pat Grant, president of the Women’s Board; her husband, Stu; and Barbara and Steven Weinzierl. Linda Misanko designed a stage setting depicting Monet’s Water Lilies for the debutantes’ presentation in the auditorium.
Over the years the Charity Ball has raised funds for various departments at Akron Children’s Hospital, and guests looked over photos from the past as they enjoyed cocktails and conversation in the foyer. Don and Beau Botto recognized many familiar faces as they pointed out their daughter, Laura, who made her debut in 1984. They were excited to see granddaughter Katherine Comstock presented, following in the footsteps of her grandmother, who was a debutante in 1957.
“That’s me,” exclaimed Jean Foust, as she pointed out her photo to her husband, Greg, as they awaited granddaughter Sienna Drillien’s presentation.
Also looking over the wall of photos were: Fran Buchholzer, Jim Simon, Froncia Repetti, Alex Walker, Karen Nakes, Glen and Cathy Stephens, Bob and Rochelle Stone, and Theodore and Darlene Bobinsky.
Gabby and Natalie Fisher and Izzy Horning came to see their friend Caroline Kane presented, while Andy Mockbee found a seat on the stairs awaiting his sister’s presentation.
Two of the debutantes, Katherine Carlos and Emily Petrochuk, spent their first weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the hospital, while debutantes Megan Kovacevich and Marissa Appleby said they are grateful for the care they received while patients at Akron Children’s Hospital.
Katherine Carlos said she enjoyed helping her grandmother Elanor Carlos make blankets for the children at the hospital with Project Linus.