Billy Triffet was a pageboy when Elise Spargo was a flowergirl for the Pakenham Rotary Club deb ball in 2001. This year, they are doing their deb together.By Danielle Galvin
DEBUTANTE balls are an important rite of passage for most young adults, and the Pakenham Rotary Club has been running them for 21 years.
Darren Spargo is a professional wedding and portrait photographer who has been taking shots for the club deb balls since 1994. He was also a Rotarian, and served as resident from 2004-’05.
“I left the club to focus on my kids but I can’t wait to get involved again,” he said.
Each year, debutantes from the shire get dressed up for their night of nights.
“It’s really good to see them getting glammed up and enjoying themselves,” Darren said of the annual deb balls.
Darren’s daughter Elise was a flowergirl from 2000 until 2004. This year, Elise will be making her deb, partnering with Billy Triffett, who was a pageboy with her in 2001.
The deb balls will be running over two nights in 2011, on Friday 5 August, and Saturday 6 August.
Lyn Squires says she was the one who helped bring the deb ball back to Pakenham.
“I brought the deb ball to the next level. When the Cardinia Cultural Centre opened, I thought it would be the best place to host the debutantes,” Lyn said.
With 24 couples partnering this year, chairman of the committee Julie Crawford said it was a great bunch of youngsters.
“They are into their fourth week of practice and this year it will coincide nicely with the 50th anniversary of the club,” Julie said.
Darren says that working with the Rotarians was always enjoyable.
“They are a fantastic group of people. They are professional, well-organised and they know what they are doing,” he said.
Darren is looking forward to seeing his daughter all dressed up.
