Local belles make their debut at the Philadelphia Charity Ball

    Brought to you by Freemans Auctioneers, The Circuit, with Caroline Stewart, takes you to the Hyatt at the Bellevue for the 133rd Philadelphia Charity Ball. Become a regular of our new blog to keep up with the hottest philanthropic events.

    In a city steeped in tradition, the Philadelphia Charity Ball has a place of honor in the pantheon of tried and true, old and established. It’s been around since 1881 when young ladies made their debut and were introduced to society as eligible young women. Today the spotlight is on philanthropy and future philanthropic leaders, but many of the traditions remain steadfast.

    The 133rd Philadelphia Charity Ball, chaired by the ball’s board president, Michael J. Tierney, was held Nov. 24 at the Hyatt at the Bellevue. Wearing long white gloves and yards of silk and satin, the ball’s three debutantes this year were Lacey Swift-Farley of Chestnut Hill and sisters Courtney and Laura McCauley of Wayne.

    The white-tie evening for nearly 400 guests began with a cocktail reception in the Red and Clover Room and continued with dinner in the Grand Ballroom. Following the presentation of the debutantes and 25 members of the Young Ladies’ and Young Men’s Committees, there was dancing in the ballroom to the Renaissance Orchestra. The evening, which included breakfast at 11 pm, ended at 1:30 am.

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    Proceeds from the ball will benefit Gesu School in North Philadelphia, an independent Catholic elementary school of 450 students in grades pre-K through eighth.

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