Though the Cinderella Ball is traditionally held in January, the pandemic postponed it to June 26 at the Allegheny Country Club in Sewickley.
There, 10 debutantes made their formal entrance into society during the 95th Cinderella Ball – Pittsburgh’s oldest fundraiser and the second longest-running debutante ball in the United States.
This year’s beneficiary was the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. The young women did their volunteerism virtually, marketing the COVID19 Critical Fund Campaign, which helped the Trust present virtual programs and performances.
The evening was chaired by Cinderella Women’s Committee members Laura Penrod Kronk of Sewickley and Lisa Squillante Keefer.
Sewickley resident Catherine Morgan Penrod, a graduate of Avonworth High School, was awarded the CWC Scholarship for her dedication to service. Penrod volunteered 33 hours with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.
Following the scholarship presentation, Prince Charming, Chester Scheetz Todd, was introduced. Following tradition, he was tasked with randomly drawing the name of Cinderella. As her name was announced, Cealy Kate Fryncko stepped forward to meet Prince Charming and join him for a dance.
This year’s debutantes were Catharine King Mellon Cathey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Murray Cathey; Helen Freyvogel Engel, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick August Engel; Cealy Kate Fryncko, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth James Fryncko Jr.; Claire Monroe Gallagher, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Richard Gallagher; Meredith Addison Kelley, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Michael Patrick Kelley; Audrey Madeline Lyda, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. TH Lyda; Anne-Christian Louise McCrady, daughter of Dr. Christine Sekula Crocker and Thomas Jamison McCrady Sr.; Jacqueline Grace Molyneaux and Jennifer Jean Molyneaux, daughters of Dr. John Thomas Molyneaux and Kathleen Joan Molyneaux; Catherine Morgan Penrod, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Albert Penrod Jr.
Next year’s event will also take place in the summer at the Allegheny Country Club.
