Valentines Ball 2008

On February 16^th, FAC-WNC had its annual Valentine’s Ball held in downtown Asheville at the Renaissance Hotel.  The night was dedicated to the season of romance and love.  Our guests were dressed to the nines in beautiful ball gowns and handsome suits.  It’s the first event of the year for the association, and what a success it was. 

Our emcee for the evening is none other than our very own, Jane Rolen, who made the trip from her home in Atlanta to spend the evening with us.  Our President, Arnel Marucut, started off the evening with a touching speech about the true meaning of love.  Following that, the very first Miss FAC-WNC, Khristy Fontillas, gave the invocation to start dinner.

Our guests wined and dined and enjoyed the delicious dinner catered by the hotel.  The ambience was full of romance with candlelight, great food, and loved ones all around. 

And, what event wouldn’t be complete without some entertainment to get us ready to have fun?  The FAC-WNC Dance Troupe, under the direction of Brian Rodriguez, started off our entertainment portion of the night.  Choreographing a ‘Swing’ dance to KC and the Sunshine Band’s “Shake Your Booty”, our dancers boogied and shimmied across the dance floor.  Brian’s amateur dance partner, Lisa Puckett, choreographed the next number, a Cha-cha-cha to Madonna’s “Vogue”.  Our dancers did an excellent job!  Next, Karl Wagner serenaded the audience to “Love Is in the Air” followed by Lee Huff who sang “Dream Lover”.  A special surprise number was then introduced: our dance director, Brian Rodriguez and his partner, Lisa Puckett, who was in a revealing pink dress, danced a Samba to “Move, Dance, Be Born”.  FAC-WNC has their own Dancing With the Stars, and Brian and Lisa did an excellent job! 

Then, for the moment that everyone had been waiting for.  The introduction of Mrs. Valentines 2008!  Our three candidates, who were nominated and first presented at the Christmas Party last year, have had several weeks to sell raffle tickets and raise money for the association and the upcoming Gala.  Thank you to Elsa Delage, Phoebe Barkley, and Christy Levi for working so hard in your fundraising efforts this year. 

Each candidate was presented to the audience and each were escorted by their doting husbands. 

First up was Candidate No. 1, Mrs. Phoebe Barkley, escorted by her husband Raymond.  Phoebe hails from Cebu City, is an avid sailor, and home-schools her daughter, Nysha. 

Candidate No. 2 is Mrs. Elsa Delage, escorted by her husband of almost 10 years, Dennis.  Elsa and Dennis met in Manila, where she’s from, when he was on assignment for the Manila Bulletin.  Elsa loves to volunteer, sing and dance, and one day hopes to be a successful business woman. 

And last but not least, Candidate No. 3, Christy Levi, escorted by her husband, Paul, hails from Tobod, Mindanao.  Paul and Christy met while she was working in Singapore.  Christy loves to watch telenovelas on TFC and hopes to pursue a career in the medical field. 

Our three candidates were then serenaded by James Jones, who sang, “Lady In Red”. 

Then, it was time for the much awaited coronation.  Our reigning Miss FAC-WNC, Khristy Fontillas, and former Mrs. Valentines 2003, Mona Jones, assisted in the coronation.  Our 2^nd Runner up was announced, and it was Phoebe Barkley! 

Then, the big moment, only two remained.  Who would the crown go to?  Our 1^st Runner up…..Elsa Delage!  So that means that Christy Levi is the new Mrs. Valentines 2008!  

Congratulations to all our candidates, especially our newly crowned beauty, Christy Levi!  Thank you all for your hard work and contributions and raising over $4,000.00!  You all have made us proud with your poise, elegance, and hard work.  Thank you to all three of our candidates! 

The rest of the night was full of dancing and having fun.  It was a special evening indeed, with many of our guests and members enjoying themselves at our first event of the year.  What a way to kick off our year!  Thank you to all our guests and members who joined us that night.  And a big thanks to our Officers, Committee Members, Dancers, Singers, Artists, and our Mrs. Valentines Court, for all your hard work in making the 2008 Valentines Ball a great success!