Elsa, Captain America, Batman help raise money for Highlands Relay for Life

Two-year-old Genevieve Olszewski of Brackenridge wore her fanciest purple dress Saturday and bundled up to brave the frigid temperatures.

It seemed appropriate, given the toddler was on her way to a makeshift Arendelle to dance the day away with the kingdom’s most famous residents, Elsa and Anna.

The event, a Princess and Superhero Tea Party, was hosted in Patterson Hall at Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Church along Union Avenue in Natrona Heights, Harrison.

Proceeds benefited the Highlands Area Relay for Life, the annual cancer walk-athon scheduled for June 13 at Highlands Middle School.

“All of us have lost someone or know someone battling cancer,” said Jim Larko, Relay for Life committee member. “We’re just trying to do our part.”

The event brought in about $1,500 last year.

With more than 130 in attendance, the church social hall was transformed into a Disney wonderland with an ice cream bar, dancing and plenty of photo ops with Rapunzel, Belle and Batman.

Penn Hills junior Ethan Grainy donned a Captain America costume and polished nails for all the mini-princesses, saying he enjoyed seeing them smile.

Gabbie Kerston, a Valley High School junior, and Bella Forster, a St. Joe’s senior, made many eyes light up with their portrayals of Anna and Elsa.

“The kids get so excited when they see you,” Kerston said.

Forster, wearing a braided platinum wig and flowing teal dress, posed for dozens of photos and said her excitement is genuine.

“We love seeing them get so happy,” she said.

Reagan Bondra, 4, of Arnold, dressed as Snow White for the party but gave the “Frozen” pair a thumbs-up.

“They’re my favorite,” she said.

Next up for the group is A Night at the Races on May 2 at the Natrona Heights VFW Post 894 and the Golf Fore a Cure on July 10 at Birdsfoot Golf Club in South Buffalo.

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