Assistance League member volunteer Margie Arnett performs “Uptown Girl” at Assistance League of San Bernardino’s 55th Annual Signature Headdress Ball “Ballroom Blitz” on Saturday, April 30.
San Bernardino’s National Orange Show Events Center was transformed into a ballroom Saturday for Assistance League of San Bernardino’s 55th Annual Signature Headdress Ball, “Ballroom Blitz. This year’s matinee and evening gala featured theatrical productions that incorporated 10 beautiful headdresses that represented different styles of ballroom dancing through the eras. The audience was treated to custom designed headdress representations of iconic dances such as the Viennese Waltz, East Coast Swing, Mambo, and Jive.
The presentation of the headdresses is a 54 year-old tradition that has grown more elaborate every year. Community patrons agree to sponsor these magnificent designer creations with all of the proceeds going to charity. The headdresses can weigh 10-50 lbs. and can stand at a height of 5’-15’ before being placed on a model’s head. The headdresses are designed by local florists and artisans and they must be carefully balanced so they are wearable.
This year’s designers include: Martin Flores from Inland Valley Floral, Derrick Vasquez from the National Orange Show, Albert Villegas, AIFD, Ed Mendoza, Gary Longoria, and new designers Rhonda De La Rosa, Pam Lechuga, Allison Jury, Andre Harrington, Tim Robel, Larry Quiel and Mary Masasso.
This year’s headdress models included Assistance League members: Lillian Pedroza (Highland), Kim Robel (San Bernardino), Sherry Lopez (Highland), Margie Arnett (San Bernardino), Representing Les Confreres, an auxiliary of Assistance League was Kristine Smith and Donna Hoffman. Special guest models represented community interests include Jordon Boom (Highland) representing Cause for San Bernardino Paws Rescue; Kathy Callihan (San Bernardino) representing The Benevolent Order of Elks, Children with Disabilities; June Collison (San Bernardino) representing Community Hospital Foundation; and Veronica Costello (San Bernardino) representing Children of Disabled American Veterans.
“All those chosen have made the decision to be part of a show that allows Assistance League of San Bernardino to live up to its 54 plus year history of raising the money necessary to do exactly what many families in our community have come to rely on, essential services for our communities children,” shared McCammack.
The models who wear the headdresses are generally chosen based on their contributions to the San Bernardino chapter of Assistance League and their community service. The members with the strongest service records are honored by the membership by being given the opportunity to model a headdress. For the past five years, this honor has extended to community representatives as well. The models then commit to rehearsal schedules that last for 10-12 weeks as they practice wearing tightly cinched corsets that brace the headdresses and distribute the weight primarily on their hips. A model must learn to balance the headdress while dancing in a fully produced number.
All proceeds from the matinee and the evening performances will go to benefit the children of San Bernardino through the support and funding of the Dr. Earl R. Crane Children’s Dental Health Center and Operation School Bell®, a program that provides clothing for children in need.
Please save the date for the 56th Annual Signature Headdress Ball, Saturday, April 22, 2017.
For more information about Assistance League of San Bernardino , their programs and to see more photos of the headdresses, visit www.assistanceleague.org/san-bernardino.
