HOWLAND, Ohio - The Warren Civic League hosted its 32nd annual Debutante Ball Saturday evening.

The event was held at Leo's Ristorante on East Market Street.

12 Debutantes performed a Waltz dance choreographed by Artistically U Dance Studio in Warren.

Since 1961, the League has given more than 500 awards totaling around $500,000 to young men and women in the form of educational scholarships.

The 12 young women worked for months to prepare for the event.

The Warren Civic League was started in 1958 by a group of young women of African American descent that wanted to do charitable work in the community.

Since then, the organization has provided monetary support to the United Negro College Fund, Rebecca Williams Community House, Cancer Society, Girls State, Hospice, and various other church, club, and community groups.