Community Corner

Celebrating Love at the Fourth Annual St. Valentine's Day Ball

Laughlin Children's Center annual event Saturday at the Edgeworth Club was fun-filled for the entire family.

Love and laughter filled the ballroom Saturday inside the Edgeworth Club.

For the fourth year, parents and children dressed up for the Laughlin Children's Center's annual , a child-friendly evening of dinner, dancing and entertainment, which goes to support the center. 

“I think it was great this year,” said Wayneen Driscoll, chairwoman.

Find out what's happening in Robinson-Moonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Driscoll said the idea to focus the event on Valentine’s Day came about four years ago. Families wanted to spend the occasion together, and the holiday-themed ball was fitting.

“Valentine’s Day symbolizes love, and family and togetherness,” Driscoll said.

Find out what's happening in Robinson-Moonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

She said the event also helps to raise awareness of the , which offers academic, psychology, speech and educational support services to children who are in preschool through high school. 

Doug Florey, Laughlin's executive director, said the ball allows families to spend quality time together in a fun setting.

“Families can just be families, and kids can do whatever they want,” he said.

Part of the fun included an ice cream sundae bar, creative balloons and temporary tattoos. Eight couples participated in a dance contest for children and families with two runners-up and a top prize of $100 courtesy of .

Local merchants donated various items for the auction. Members of  cast of Guys and Dolls made a special appearance to get the dance floor moving.

“I haven’t seen so much dancing ever,” Driscoll said.

 was this year’s sponsor, and representatives attended, including Gary Gloekler, bank manager at the Sewickley branch, and Alan Bicker, regional banking executive in Pittsburgh.

Bicker said the bank was thrilled to sponsor this year’s ball, and both said they were enjoying the event. Bicker attended with his children and said they were having a blast too.

“This is a great event,” he said. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here