Thirty-Third Annual Governor’s Ball: Tradition, Fashion and Fun for Scholarship

The Governor’s Ball at Salve Regina University, now in its 33rd annual incarnation, was beautiful, festive, and fashionable, as more than 650 people attended the late evening party at magnificent Ochre Court.

Greeted by the Salve Regina Choir singing traditional holiday music, and by beautifully decorated rooms, the guests joined a receiving line, which comprised Governor Donald Carcieri and Sue Carcieri, Major General Robert Bray and Molly Bray, Salve Regina President, Sister Jane Gerety, and Edward Handy and Polly Handy.

Julianna Strout, Miss Rhode Island 2009

Brass Attack, an infectiously entertaining band, played dance music from many eras, from swing, to rock-and-roll to disco, and guests of all ages took to the floor.

The gowns on display were quite remarkable: Newport Seen caught up with some of the trés chic to inquire about the designer labels they were wearing.

Miss Rhode Island, Julianna Strout, sporting the iconic crown of the Miss America Pageant, modeled a gown by Rhode Island designer Jonathan Peters, while Ruth Orthwein modeled vintage Yves St. Laurent. Among the other celebrants were Greg Oliveira, William and Alison Vareika, Mary and Thomas Gilbane, Ellen Barnes, Leila deBruyne and Justine Axelsson, of Flying Kites, Louis Fazzano with Constance Evrard, and William and Susie Hatfield.

Always the hallmark of a successful party, the hour of ending was late, and guests stayed until early into the next morning. All proceeds from the 33rd Annual Governor's Ball go to the Salve Regina University Scholarship Fund.