Forty-sixth Cinderella Ball
Mikayla Ginn, Jaden Davis, Anysa Laing Cisrow and John Jazz Bell.
By Lillie M. Fye
President Johnnye Fye Bell is pleased to announce that plans are being finalized for Les Bonnes Amies Club, lnc.’s 46th Cinderella Ball. Les Bonnes Amies Club, Inc. (The Good Friends) was founded in 1947 by a small group of energetic socialites of the Broward County community.
Two years after World War II, Fort Lauderdale was a small city. Andrews Avenue was the main street for downtown shopping. Fifth Avenue was the center of business and entertainment for the Black community; Sixth Street was just emerging and Dillard High School was the only school for Blacks.
In this setting and at this time (1947), the citizens were ready to refocus on community life and the needs of home. Concerns in the Black community included political representation, care of the elderly, health care, jobs, youth pro-grams, housing and education (what’s new?).
The club now celebrates 66 years in the Broward County community. Maude Lewis Storr is the most senior active member with 58 years of service. She is instrumental in helping the club focus on its original purpose, providing fellowship opportunities for the members and extending socio-civic services to the community. The Cinderella Ball is the club’s major fund-raiser.
Over the years, the club has contributed over $110,000 toward college scholarships and community projects, which includes $10,000 to the African American Research Library and Cultural Center, $5,000 to Susie C. Holley Cradle Nursery, Inc., funds to the Sickle Cell Foundation and the Cancer Society.
The Cinderella Ball provides a magical evening for school-aged children to showcase their talents, best behavior and dress. The evening will culminate with the crowning of the 2013 Princess Cinderella and Prince Charming. Miss Mikayla Ginn and Mr. Jaden Davis are the reigning Princess and Prince. The children vying to wear their crowns are: Sheyenne Bryant, DeMariyah Hough, DeMiyah Hough, Asia Sapp, Torrance Thornton, Boisy Waiters, Jr., Aaliyah Wiggins, Reginald Williams II, and Justin Forman. Miss Anysa Laing Cisrow and Mr. John Jazz Bell, past winners, will return to provide entertainment for royalty.
The members of Les Bonnes Amies Club, Inc. includes Lillie Fye, Patsy Mills, Mary Morrison” Cynthia Diane Parke, Charley Mae Sumlin, Deloris Sumlin, and Lydia Waring. Norma Wright holds honorary membership in the club. The ball will take place, Saturday, April 27, 2013, 6:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church Piney Grove, 4699 W. Okld. Park Blvd, Lauderdale Lakes. The public is invited to attend this enchanted affair.
