Debutante Ball?
 

A GLO interest group that I have recently become active with is in the midst of planning their big Philanthropy event for next semester.

I was elected Philanthropy Chair, and look forward to brainstorming ideas with the members to help raise funds for our philanthropies.

Several members had the idea for a Debutante ball, with the young ladies (or families of the young ladies) who are interested in coming out giving a donation to the org that we support in exchange for an invitation to make their debut at the event.

I know some about Debutante balls, but wonder about ways to appeal to our target audience: namely, the young women and their families.

Any off the cuff ideas?

We've considered:

Visiting meetings of various orgs around town such as: Rotary, Junior League, Eastern Star and others that may have members who have daughters who would be interested in such an event and making a presentation (if that is allowed)

Putting out an ad in the local newspaper to attract potential participants.

Getting in touch with the local High Schools and dropping off informational flyers (if that is allowed)

Anyone have an idea or two? Your input would be appreciated.:)

Thanks

What do they get AFTER they make their debut? Will this be covered in the papers? Will their inclusion in this event assist them in joining community groups or clubs with selective membership?

Also, I've seen some NPHC graduate/alumnae chapters in my area organize and sponsor debutante balls. But the ball is usually the culminating event of a mentorship program for the young women making their debut. Women from the chapter mentor the young debs using a class/workshop setup. The young ladies learn about etiquette, careers, study skills, leadership and volunteering, etc. I think there needs to be a purpose to your debutante presentation instead of a dance in exchange for financial support of your group's philanthropy.

This is what some in our org mentioned. This is also the reason why I think that we should begin planning such a program, engage in outreach, not just among potential young women, but also within the community to partner with as a community connection and begin mentoring a group of interested young women as our philanthropy focus for this academic year, with the ball being held at the conclusion of the next academic year.

So, Fall 2012- A new class begins, eighteen months later, Spring 2014....the members of that class are presented. Fall 2013 begin- End Spring 2015.

33girl, Yes....this would definitely be in our paper, and perhaps networking with and making firm connections and affiliations with community resources and organizations that can offer much to these young women during and long after their debut would be a proper path to take.

misscherrypie,

Check out the Plano Symphony Orchestra Debutante program. planosymphony.org. Might give you a few ideas. I'm familiar with the program and the girls are selected in summer, the program starts in the fall of their junior year with presentation over Thanksgiving weekend of their senior year. One activity a month to 6 weeks - all supporting the Symphony. At the ball: silent auction and raffle. Makes about $50K.

I'm sure you're already doing this, but make sure you know what other options are out there in your area that young women might choose over your event. Despite living in New England my entire life, I have no personal experience with Debutante Balls. However, I do know about marketing and throwing big events, and you need to be able to answer the question from potential participants, "What will this do for ME?".

Good luck, it takes a lot of work to grow something from nothing. It's important to have a strong commitment to the project from all sides, and it's something that you can't force.