Erie Times - News | GoErie.com | November 18, 2007

Great Hall to light up for ball

Erieites treasure our traditions, especially at the holidays. That is why the annual Barber National Institute Christmas Ball has been such a popular holiday event, typically attracting more than 1,200 guests.

But something new can make a time-honored tradition even more exciting. That's the case with this year's Christmas Ball, planned Dec. 8 at the Bayfront Convention Center's Great Hall. Yes, it's in the convention hall. The event is too large for the facility's 13,507-square-foot Grand Ballroom.

The night of the event, the theme will be carried out in dramatic fashion.

In keeping with this year's theme -- Light of Hope -- spotlights beamed from the Convention Center will illuminate the sky and beckon guests to the new waterfront location.

The Warner family visits Allburn Florist to preview decorations for this year's Christmas Ball. Robin and Russ, this year's Chair couple, look at the decorative lighthouses being held by their children, Drew and Stephanie. The lighthouses, which will be used as table centerpieces, are the symbol for this year's theme, "Light of Hope."

Inside, the Center's Great Hall will be transformed into a stunning winter scene with lighted drapes encircling the stage and groupings of illuminated trees brightening the perimeter. A collection of stained-glass lighthouses will adorn tables throughout the room.

Also new this year: Ismael Aguilar, the Convention Center's executive chef, will present an array of substantial hors d'oeuvres and dessert selections throughout the evening.

Some cherished traditions will continue, such as the presentation to guests of a special commemorative ornament. This year's memento is a gold-tone and midnight-blue oval engraved with the lighthouse.

Also back by popular demand is Tennessee Backporch, which will provide music for dancing from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Ball chaircouple Russ and Robin Warner and their committees have been working to make this the gala of the holiday season. The Warners have been attending the Christmas Ball for more than 20 years with a group of friends that include Pam and Neal Baker, Rob and Lynn Doyle, Carol and Mike Geiger, and Bob and Georgia Mohr.

Russ Warner is the managing partner of the MacDonald Illig Jones & Britton law firm and a past president of the Erie County Bar Association.

Robin Warner worked in management for Better Baked Foods/Zap-A-Snack before taking time off to raise their family.

Warner now teaches, volunteers and helps with soccer teams for their children, Drew, a senior at Cathedral Preparatory School, and Stephanie, a freshman at Mercyhurst Preparatory School.

The Warners suggested the Light of Hope theme to reflect how the Barber National Institute has become a beacon of hope and opportunity for families.

The invitations feature a lighthouse and cityscape designed by the Barber National Institute's fine arts supervisor Frank Fecko and carried out in the color scheme of midnight-blue, pewter and copper.

Anyone unable to attend is invited to make a contribution to the Dr. Gertrude A. Barber Foundation in support of programs for the more than 3,000 children and adults served annually.