Lauren JosephAnticipation for Cabrini’s winter formal has come and gone. The Renaissance Hotel in Philadelphia held the Masquerade Ball on Saturday, Feb. 21. The Student Government Association planned the event well in advance to have a turnout of 215 people.
The goal set by SGA was to have 200 tickets sold and it surpassed its goal. Sophomore Claudia Sciandra and senior Laura Cover worked behind the scenes of the formal as committee chairs. Prior to making any arrangements for the formal, a survey was distributed to students requesting their preferences of food, music and cost.
In response to the survey, the ticket price was changed from last year. Sophomore Dave Capece and senior Jessica Gentile were co-chairs on the ticket committee. Instead of having a discounted ticket price for couples all tickets were sold individually for $40. This is was a $15 drop in ticket price from last year’s formal tickets, which for singles was $55 and for couples was $90. “Last year people thought you had to bring a date and were discouraged,” Cover said. SGA is looking for feedback on this year’s formal to see people’s responses.
Another vital factor that determined if the formal would run smoothly was choosing a location. The Renaissance Hotel was, “willing to work with us,” Sciandra said. Junior Colleen Hoy, who was on the transportation committee, was responsible for booking the buses. Providing transportation was another way to attract more people since they did not have to drive themselves.
Senior Stephanie Engel, decorations chair, had help from volunteers earlier Saturday afternoon in preparation for the evening’s event. Professional photographers gave couples an affordable opportunity to get a package of four wallet sized photographs and two 5x7s for $12. The backdrop of the photographs was a festive arrangement of colorful balloons in an arch shape with delicate sheer drapery and metallic masks to maintain the Marti Gras inspired theme.
Inside the ballroom was a dance floor surrounded with tables set for 10. The sit-down dinner included gourmet dishes of a choice of either pasta or chicken. An elegant chocolate moose was served for dessert.
After dinner the dancing was sparked off with a slow dance with Mr. and Ms. Cabrini Mike Sofia and Cristin Marcy. The DJ played music all night long and the dance floor was never empty.
“I liked the music a lot. They mixed it up really well with some classics from the past and today’s favorites,” sophomore Jessica Webb said.
“Everyone was dancing and having a great time,” Sciandra said.
Posted to the web by Lauren Joseph
