Where else could the Frankenstein monster have the chance to dance with a bumble bee? About 800 people dressed to impress at the Halloween Charity Ball at Tangier in Akron on Friday evening.
The eighth annual event, presented by Summa Western Reserve Hospital, was held to raise money for the Battered Women’s Shelter of Summit and Medina counties and DECA. DECA is an organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management.
“This will help do the charity work that we like to do for the community,” DECA adviser Samantha Franchino said.
Deanna McNeely dressed as Katy Perry, organizer Getta Cornici donned wings to be a pink fairy and Arianne Lewis transformed into Olive Oyl. Tonya Moore borrowed her pirate costume from her daughter; gangsters Cheryl and Josh DeAngelis found their attire at a costume shop.
“I am Dracula with a bad make-up job,” said Bruce Gilmore. Ben Bonaty wanted a change so he opted to be a member of the SWAT team.
“This event typically contributes about $10,000 a year to us and provides money for our hot line, which gets about 3,000 calls a year,” said Battered Women’s Shelter spokeswoman Dana Zedak.
Katie Greenwald said, “We’ve outgrown our old space and came here since it’s just gotten bigger every year.”
Volunteer Shane Reid helps at the shelter with various projects, but for the party, he was opting for a new role as a Secret Service agent. D.J. Kenny Kidd donated his services for the cause.
“I was a client of the Battered Women’s Shelter and now I help with the outreach,” said Tracy Jackson.