DeKALB – Katrina Luetkebuenger and her 6-year-old daughter, Kaylee, couldn't pass up a chance to put on their best gowns and spend an evening dancing in a castle ballroom.
"We had dress rehearsals," Katrina Luetkebuenger said. "It was very important to get our outfits just right."
After winning a drawing, her family arrived in a limousine to the inaugural Royal Children's Ball held Friday at Altgeld Hall on Northern Illinois University's campus.
Jason Nicol, director of the DeKalb County Youth Service Bureau, said more than 300 people came to the fundraiser ball, and he hoped to raise about $10,000 for YSB programs.
He said the YSB hasn't had to do much fundraising in the past, but state budget cuts have affected the bureau's funding.
"We wanted to create a unique fundraising event and make kids the guest of honor," Nicol said.
The YSB helps about 1,100 individuals every year and provides services such as employment counseling, anger management, substance abuse intervention and youth volunteerism to youth in the county. Nicol hoped the ball would give families with children of all ages a chance to converge and enjoy an evening together.
Butlers served hors d'oeuvres on platters, and Stephen Alan Salon had a royal salon for girls who wanted their hair and makeup done. Families also danced, bowled, ate ice cream and cupcakes, made crafts and took home balloon animals. Christie Kyler, board chair for YSB, said Friday's turnout was better than she had hoped.
"It's turned out to be very successful so far," she said. "A couple days ago, we thought 150 people would be here. But we got double what we expected, and we're thrilled."
Shannon Whitaker of Sycamore brought her 7-year-old daughter, Camryn, to the ball. Camryn's favorite part of the evening was dancing with a prince, and Whitaker liked that she could get pictures of her family there.
"Anything that has to do with princesses is a plus in our house," Whitaker said.
Stephanie Gerhardt of Cortland came to the ball with her husband, Gus, and her son and daughter. As a former YSB volunteer, she thought the event was a good way to support a good cause.
"The first Royal Children's Ball was something we couldn't miss," she said.
Keri Nelson, a volunteer with YSB, hopes the Royal Children's Ball will eventually become a signature fundraising event for YSB. Kyler agreed, saying she hoped the evening would give families good memories to look back on.
"I want them to come back for years to come," Kyler said.
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