A ball fit for a little princess

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This article was published 19/1/2015 (1860 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

FOUR-year-old Violet Ramos tapped Princess Ariel on the shoulder to give her some important information.

"I've liked you since I was born," Violet earnestly told a young lady dressed to look like the popular princess who was kneeling in her gown to be hugged by Violet and various other mini princesses.

"You're my favourite princess since I was born."

Violet and her mom, Michelle Ramos, were among 302 guests at the first annual Royal Princess Ball, a gala fundraising dinner in support of the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba and presented by Happily Ever After Parties of Winnipeg. There were 24 children in the care of Child and Family Services who were given tickets to the "lavish, family-friendly dinner."

The room was filled mainly with girls under 12 years of age, who were regally dressed as their favourite princesses from the Walt Disney stories and movies, along with one or both parents. Spotted in addition to Ariel, a.ka. the Little Mermaid, were Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan and more recent additions Tiana, Rapunzel and Merida along with Frozen's Elsa and Anna. Even Tinker Bell, who is not an official Disney Princess but is still considered so by many young fans, was in the house. An organizer dressed to look like Cinderella's fairy godmother was helping princesses find their tables.

Michelle said Violet had surgery in B.C. last year to repair a hole in her heart. Her family was supported by the Children's Hospital Foundation.

"They flew us out to B.C. to get the surgery done, (they provided) all the accommodations for a week and they flew us back, so there was no doubt that we were going to support them in any way we can," Michelle said.

"What they did for us was amazing. The surgery changed her life, she was always sick before the surgery but not anymore. She's still a little concerned about the scar but she's doing so well. We are so grateful, they were so amazing."

Gillian MacDonald, owner of Happily Ever After Parties, and the organizing committee chairwoman, said she hopes to present the Children's Hospital Foundation on Feb. 16 with $25,000 in proceeds from the event to help children such as Violet.

"We do princess parties and I also work as a social worker for Child and Family, and so it seemed like a natural fit. I have a passion for children, and I just wanted to put on something to put back," MacDonald said. "I hope the children here have an amazing time and that it is a memorable experience for them for the rest of their lives."

Tanis Toews brought her six-year-old daughter, Callie, who was dressed like Elsa, and her four-year-old daughter, Rayna, who was dressed like Cinderella. The girls were thrilled to get their picture taken with Happily Ever After Parties representatives dressed as Prince Charming and Cinderella by a castle backdrop.

"We noticed the event on Facebook and we thought it would be a good chance for them to see the princesses. We haven't really had the chance to go to Disney so this is kind of bringing it here and it's for a really good cause, one that I'm interested in, and I want them to share that," Toews said.

MacDonald invited anyone who wishes to donate to the magical cause to go to her website for information: royalprincessballwinnipeg.com.

ashley.prest@freepress.mb.ca