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Assistance League of Long Beach’s 42^nd Presentation Ball honored nineteen Debutantes at a formal event held March 15, 2008. Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe (center) presided as the Presenter.  The 2008 Debutantes, all members of the Assisteens^® Auxiliary of Assistance League of Long Beach, have volunteered countless hours towards community service, while learning the value of community responsibility, self reliance, and leadership skills.  The young ladies presented were: Emily Anderson, Tatum Barnes, Kelsey Beall, Hayley Decker, Chelsea Freeborn, Taylor Johnson, Kaitlyn Jones, Barbara Kennedy, Colby Kruger, Larissa Lee, Lauren Montgomery, Asia Morris, Melinda Moulton, Megan O’Connell-Barbre, Kristin Reksc, Danielle Russell, Kaitlin Westerfield, Kendall Wootten and Alison Yoho.  (Photos courtesy of William Wade)
 

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42^nd Presentation Ball Waltzes into History

The beautiful, lilting music of “The Waltz of the Mandolin” filled the Hyatt Regency ballroom as nineteen Debutantes waltzed in the arms of their fathers at the elegant 42^nd Presentation Ball on March 15, 2008.  Since 1960, Assistance League of Long Beach has held the Presentation Ball as its traditional way of honoring young women for their community involvement and welcoming them into a world of civic responsibility.

Assistance League of Long Beach President Sandra French opened the evening’s festivities and welcomed the 450 guests to the 42^nd Presentation Ball and introduced the evening’s Presenter Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe. President French noted his love of music and talents as a musician and band leader, as well as the generous support of a grant from his office that supports the Earl B. and Loraine H. Miller Foundation Orthodontic Center.

Supervisor Knabe, in his opening remarks, said that he was honored to be asked to preside as Presenter of the 2008 Debutantes. He followed with the introduction of the handsome escorts for the evening: Tyler Bowlin, Joseph Cairo, Michael Churnock, Neal Donahue, Gavin Gill, James Gober, Sean Lieppman, Kyle Mahnken, Michael Mais, Jonathan Michaelson, Christopher Napper, James Reksc, William Shibley, Canon Smith, Kenny Smith, Joseph Szabatura, Dillion Van Dusen, Michael Weilert, and Trenton Westling.

The Debutantes’ presentations followed, and each young lady, adorned in a white evening gown with long gloves and carrying a nosegay of pink roses, entered the stage through two arches adorned with roses and twinkling lights. Harpist Brian Noel played specially selected songs for each Debutante as her introduction was read. The introductions offered the guests a brief glimpse into each young lady’s personality and revealed the special relationships with family. Each Debutante gracefully walked the dance floor on the arm of her father, pausing briefly to present a long-stemmed pink rose to her mother, and then performed a twirl before ascending to the stage where she performed the classic St. James Bow to the delight of the audience. 

Another highlight of the evening was the traditional waltz with the Debutantes and their fathers showing off the steps learned at their dance lessons. Donald Holt, Arthur Murray Dance Studio owner, instructed the group on the intricate waltz steps, and they performed them beautifully. The escorts were invited to dance with the Debs, and parents soon joined them on the dance floor for the Presentation’s finale. The evening’s festivities concluded with lively dancing by the Debutantes, escorts, guests and families until midnight. For these accomplished young women, the evening was recognition of their years of community service and dedication to efforts that have positive effects on the lives of people.

Debutante Parents: Mary Ann Anderson, Jeffrey Anderson, Tyler and Chrissy Barnes, grandparents Dick and Melva Miller, Richard and Julie Beall, Joseph and Dana Decker, Helen Freeborn, John Freeborn, Gary and Wendy Johnson, Bruce and Sheila Jones, Donald and Margaret Kennedy, James and Dawn Kruger, Duane and Jan Lee, Robert and Janet Montgomery, James and Julee Morris, Donald and Sandra Moulton, Thomas and Shelly Barbre, Richard and Diane Reksc, Christopher and Debi Russell, David and Lisa Westerfield, Michael and Misty Wootten, and Steven and Nancy Yoho.

FYI:  All nineteen Debutantes are members of the Assisteens Auxiliary of Assistance League of Long Beach, a group of high school students. Its mission is to develop volunteer and community leaders through a balanced program of philanthropic programs, community service, self improvement programs, and leadership opportunities. Assisteens members contribute over 5,000 hours of service to the community annually. Their philanthropic programs include: New Life Beginnings, a shelter for homeless mothers and children; Operation Hug, where teddy bears are given to children in trauma in conjunction with the Long Beach Fire Department; and the Adopt a Family program that supports families in need during the holidays.