Ben’s ballroom gets 138th Charity Ball rolling

PHILADELPHIA » Hard to believe that the Philadelphia Charity Ball has recently passed its 138th “birthday”; however, it is true. Along with this feat, which took place at the Ben Franklin Hotel, was the presentation of not only young ladies from the area who were stepping into society, but also their moms, dads and, in some cases, grandparents who’d come to witness the momentous occasion. This year’s group of gals included Virginia Lee Carver McNeil, daughter of Nia and Collin, who’d recently graduated from Episcopal Academy and gone on to matriculate at Trinity College in Connecticut. An accomplished horseback rider who’s had success in the saddle up and down the East Coast of the USA and north into Canada, McNeil also ventured into New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina left its mark of devastation on that coast line. McNeil has taken her talents abroad as well, with a particular interest in learning more about and visiting Asian countries.

Kathryn Blair Northeimer is not only a graduate of the Renaissance Academy but also has historic ties to General Anthony Wayne, the much lauded figure from the Revolutionary War. Now attending Widener University, Northeimer’s ambition is to one day teach high school students, instilling in them the same passion she feels for what the Delaware Valley has offer.

Addison Holland Wallace, daughter of James Wallace, of Devon, and his wife, Nancy, is a graduate of Conestoga High School, now a first-year student at Bucknell University. Always active and involved at her alma mater with leadership rolls, Wallace focused her sights on learning more about world reports and adventures as a representative at the United Nations.

Katherine Quinn Mahoney, affectionately known as Katie, has yet to finish out her secondary school education as a student at Agnes Irwin. With diverse interests in many subjects and areas, Mahoney has not only traveled to China but spent time immersing herself in the language and culture of that country. Here along Philly’s Main Line, she’s used her time wisely by helping at Cradles to Crayons and Speak Up! and assisting patients who are rehabbing at Magee Hospital.

Another Irwin grad, Sydney Jennings Cohn, has left the Main Line for the Big Apple, attending college at New York University. Always attracted to theater, design and producing plays, Cohn received one of her alma mater’s most distinguished awards and is now concentrating her focus on

visual arts. Already singled out as a photographer of note with a few prestigious awards in her portfolio, Cohn has also made herself known as an advocate for finding the key to a cure for diabetes.

Margaret Mary Frantz, better known as Meg, is now a student at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. An athlete of renown for her time on Baldwin’s squash courts, Frantz managed to squeeze in time for her love of music both on a keyboard, as well as by becoming a member of the school’s hand bell choir. When not using her smashing squash serve, this young lady has “tickled the ivories” at the likes of Carnegie Hall.

While the proceeds from this year’s Charity Ball will benefit Special Olympics, the 2017 Jimmy Medal was presented to Bria Townes, of West Oak Lane, for the time and talents she’s used to support those athletes who each day need extra attention both physically and mentally. Well done, Ms. Townes and the 2017 Class of Debutantes.

New York University student Sydney Jennings Cohn, of Villanova, gets “backing” from her parents, Lea and Matt, to become a debutante.

Conestoga grad Addison Holland Wallace, of Devon, and her mom, Nancy, await their turn for the formal photos.

Color guard member Frank Spano III and Ted Doughtery surround Lauren Jendrasiak, of Malvern.

Debutante and Penn matriculate Margaret Frantz, of Bala Cynwyd, is surrounded by her dad, Glenn, mom, Nancy, and brother, Matthew, a student at Hobart.

The luck of the Irish had Kevin Kennedy, of Newtown Square, John Kennedy, of Berwyn, and his neighbor, Michael Galantino, all attending the 138th Philadelphia Charity Ball.

Griffin Kennedy, of Berwyn, buddies up with fellow Young Men’s Committee member J. P. Devine Jr., of Strafford.

The 2017 Jimmy Medal Award, along with a check to Special Olympics, is presented to both of the nonprofits at the 138th ball.

Isabelle Schaeffer stops by to speak with the Cohns of Radnor, Suzanne and Norman.

Charity Ball Board of Directors President Linda Fynes Siegfried, of Villanova, greets physician R. Brannon Claytor, of Malvern.

Equestrian Leilee McNeil, of Chester Springs, “sits one out” after dancing with her dad.

Jim Wallace, of Devon, right, has a word with Young Men’s Committee member John Bennett and Hughes McNeil.

Hayley Wallace, of Devon, gets an assist to the dance floor from Shane Kilberg.

Bryn Mawr residents Mary Yagodich and husband Mark enjoy the cocktail hour before finding their seats for dinner.

With friends in high places around the Philadelphia area, Katja Sipple and her husband, John, spend time in Chester County and the nation’s capital.

Meg Devine, of Strafford, has fun with her BFF, Laura Ray.