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Dale Huffman: Young actress reminiscent of Grace Kelly
Related photos: Dayton native receives award
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Toccarra Cash, a young actress from Dayton joyfully said, "It was by far the greatest night in my life."
Toccarra's mother, Jane Marzette, said Toccarra "was absolutely glowing" when she was honored at a gala in New York City Thursday night and presented a $10,000 Princess Grace Foundation award.
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Toccarra's mother, who lives in Dayton, joined her daughter at Sotheby's Auction House in New York for the festivities.
"Toccarra looked beautiful in her turquoise floor-length gown when she was presented her crystal award," Marzette said. "I can promise you, it was the night of all nights."
Earlier Thursday, Toccarra, 24, a 2001 graduate of Stiver's
School for the Arts, had lunch with Prince Albert II of
Monaco and the other award winners, including filmmaker George Lucas and actor James Earl Jones.
"I was able to talk freely to royalty and to celebrities, and they were so kind to me," Toccarra said. "Then I walked the red carpet, with lights flashing, and occasionally a photographer would ask me to spell my name for him. It was just a wild and almost surreal night. ... Such a thrill. So wonderful."
Proceeds from the dinner and gala go to the Princess Grace Foundation to support emerging artists in theater, dance and film pursuing training and their dreams.
Toccarra, who earned her bachelor of arts degree at Spellman College in Atlanta is a graduate student in acting at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
"Just before they presented my daughter the award, they played a tape on a giant screen of her performing," Marzette said. "Then when Toccarra took the center stage there was tumultuous applause. My daughter was the talk of the night, and more than one person stopped by and told her she has tremendous promise in the world of acting."
The Princess Grace Foundation was created in 1982 after the death of Princess Grace of Monaco, the former American Academy Award-winning actress Grace Kelly.
Ted Rawlins, a member of the panel that selected Toccarra from hundreds of finalists is quoted as saying, "her exceptional talent, her leadership and her artistic bravery are just terrific."
Toby E. Boshak, executive director of the Princess Grace awards, said, "Members of the foundation are really pleased that Toccarra is one of the 2007 winners. She has elegance and warmth that reminds us of Princess Grace."
Toccarra is heading back to studies at Kansas City where she is rehearsing for two upcoming plays.
"It was a wonderful time in my life, and great to take home the award," Toccarra said.
Dale Huffman wants your story ideas. Do you want to share a special day coming up in your life? Send e-mail to dhuffman@DaytonDailyNews.com or write to Dale at 1161 S. Main St. Dayton OH 45409. Fax: (937) 225-2489. Phone: (937) 225-2272.
