Mayoral ball helps make dreams come true

Ask any little girl, from toddler to 10, who is her favorite fairy tale character and she likely will answer, "Cinderella."

You see, Cinderella went from scullery maid into the arms of Prince Charming finding her way to that royal life via pumpkin stagecoach and glass slippers. What's not to like, pumpkin seeds and all?

While it wasn't exactly a royal ball, the recent Hoffman Estates Mayoral Ball with royal couple Bill and Joane McLeod, found many Prince Charmings and their ladies dressed in ball gowns decorated with glitters and sparklies. No one, however, reported a missing glass slipper.

Just as Cinderella and her prince found true love, master of ceremonies Gene Dawson alluded to marital perfection when he introduced McLeod and first lady Joane McLeod and referred to them as "a terrific match" because they "love, respect and honor each other." Dawson is Barrington Township Supervisor.

Joane McLeod confirmed Dawson's remarks, called her husband "the man of my life" and referred to him as a cheerful sort, "someone who sings when he goes to work."

To a standing ovation, McLeod greeted his wife with a kiss, called her "my best friend and conscience," said she has had a great effect on his life and offered his appreciation for the full house of supporters.

"Four years ago, in this very setting, I stated my vision for the future of Hoffman Estates, a multicultural community with a firm economic foundation enduring through the passage of time. I emphasized that a mayor be inclusive, not exclusive. To that end we strive to involve everybody, give him or her a voice and direct involvement in policy decisions. Every resident needs to have a stake in our village."

Held in the Stonegate Conference and Banquet Centre, McLeod's eighth ball attracted other princely couples, including George Moser and his wife, Diana. Feeling quite at home, as well he might as Stonegate owner, Moser went from table to table greeting friends and offering friendly one-liners.

Other couples making the rounds were Rep. Fred Crespo and his wife, Dorothy, Sen. Matt Murphy and Julie, Sen. Mike Noland and Veronica, Trustee Karen Mills and Glenn, Trustee Cary Collins and Sue, Trustee Gary Pilafas and Michelle, Trustee Anna Newell and Jerry and Trustee Ray Kinkaid and Sally. Cathy Hehn, daughter of Trustee Jackie Green who also was at the ball, looked as happy as Cinderella herself with her hero husband, firefighter Steve Hehn, who braved icy water last winter to pull a woman from her car after it delved into an area lake.

Unlike Cinderella's life, most things are not in a "happily ever after" mode but proceeds from the WINGS' silent auction are close to reaching the $25,000 goal. In honor of his 40th birthday that night Pilafas donated the first $l, 000 with Tom Rivera of Hoffman Estates Community Bank and an anonymous donor doing the same.