The 2019 class of Hot Springs Debutantes recently concluded its “Little Season” series of parties and events that were made possible by members of the local community.
The season began Saturday, July 14, with a self-defense class at the YMCA. Numerous self-defense strategies were taught, including making and using an improvised weapon, and how to escape or avoid an attack.
Instructors for the self-defense class were Chris Meggers, CEO of Patriot Close Combat Consultants, Daniel Sullivan, Matthew Putman, and Jesse Wright. Judge Meredith Switzer also addressed the group about a multitude of important women’s issues including workforce equality, maintaining a healthy lifework balance, and how the “me too” movement relates to the current workplace environment for young women. After class, the debutantes were treated to a variety of nutritious snacks and were given personal safety alarms to place on their keychain.
Event hostesses were Mrs. Brian Albright, Ms. Kathy Ballard, Mrs. Bryan Beasley, Ms. Keri Bordelon, Mrs. David Hafer, Mrs. Trip Qualls, Mrs. Robert Snider, and Ms. Melissa Williams.
Sunday afternoon, the debutantes and their fathers gathered at the Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa’s Crystal Ballroom for a father-daughter waltz rehearsal led by debutante choreographer Amy Bramlett Turner. She instructed the group in waltz lessons in preparation for the debutantes’ December Red Rose Charity Ball.
Immediately following rehearsal, a “Father-Daughter Bowling Party” was held at Central Bowling Lanes. The debutantes, sponsors and hostesses arrived wearing their collegiate colors and enjoyed greeting their fellow collegians and alumnae. All were treated to refreshments, including delicious cookies that were cleverly decorated to resemble bowling pins. As a party favor, the hostesses gave each debutante a translucent cosmetic bag, monogrammed with their personal initials.
Hostesses for the evening included Ms. Pamela Anderson, Mrs. William Wisely, Mrs. John Skinner, Mrs. Thomas Gilleran, Mrs. Chris Henson, Mrs. James Porter, and Mrs. Ashley Rose.
On Monday, July 15, the debutantes attended the Oaklawn Rotary luncheon at The Hotel Hot Springs & Spa. Stacey Webb Pierce introduced the young ladies and spoke about Our Promise Cancer Resources and the charity partnership with the Hot Springs Debutante Coterie. As of this past year, donations made in the debutantes’ honor have exceeded $60,000. Visit http://www.ourpromise.info for more information on how Our Promise assists patients in the community, and how donations can be made in honor of this year’s Debutante class, or in memory of a friend or loved one.
The following day, the debutantes participated in yoga at the Yoga Place on Whittington Avenue. Instructor Frances Iverson led the debutantes in a yoga class to enhance their physical and emotional wellness. This class also raised awareness about the weekly “Yoga as Cancer Awareness class” class for cancer patients and their caregivers, made possible by Our Promise Cancer Resources. After yoga, the debutantes were invited to CHI St. Vincent Cancer Center to meet oncologist, Dr. Lynn Cleveland with Genesis Cancer Center.
“She gave a powerful and informative presentation regarding cancer facts and prevention,” a news release said.
On Thursday, July 18, the debutantes gathered in the Daffodil Room at CHI St. Vincent’s Cancer Center. They assembled sack lunches for patients who were receiving treatment that day. The young ladies also gave each patient a handmade fleece blanket to help keep them warm while undergoing treatment. During the event, the debutantes toured areas of the cancer center to see resources and materials such as wigs, which are sponsored by Our Promise Cancer Resources. Afterward, the group was treated to a TCBY cookie cake in honor of three debutantes who were celebrating their birthdays that day.
The grand finale of the Little Season was held on Friday, July 19, when the debutantes and their mothers were treated to a “Hats off to Debutantes” luncheon at Hot Springs Country Club. The luncheon served to honor the debutantes for their commitment to Our Promise Cancer Resources and the cancer community. Guests were asked to wear their fanciest hats and to bring a hat, cap or scarf to donate to local cancer patients. “The debutantes thoughtfully attached handwritten notes of encouragement to each donated item,” the release said.
A warm welcome and opening remark were given by former debutante mother and local advocate for numerous charitable causes, DeeAnn Richard. Guests enjoyed dining on a delicious salad luncheon served on tables elegantly decorated with fresh flowers. Dessert was an assortment of pink iced chocolate cake balls and Taste of Eden’s iced sugar cookies, decorated to resemble festive derby hats. The ladies also enjoyed seeing the very latest in fashion trends presented by Pink Avenue’s store owner, Jessica Heller. Modeling outfits perfect for fall social events and football games were Callie Dodd, Madelyn Lawrence, Savannah Brown, Larynn Sisson, Swan Swindle and Anna Tapp.
“The debutantes were thrilled to receive an exclusive shopping invitation to the local boutique,” the release said. The luncheon concluded with guest speaker and former Hot Springs Debutante Kerry Lockwood Owen, who shared her cancer journey and encouraged the young ladies to be leaders in their community, to nurture and improve society, and to treat all people with respect and kindness.
The luncheon hostesses gave the debutantes beautiful bracelets by Rustic Cuff, as well as joining with the debutantes in donating hats and scarves to local cancer patients. Hostesses were Ms. Glenda Dunn, Mrs. Michael Rottinghaus, Mrs. Jim Shults, Ms. Alisha Ashley, Mrs. Ryan McMahan, Mrs. Brad Hansen, Mrs. William Cattaneo, Mrs. John Gibson, Mrs. Jeffrey Fuller-Freeman, Mrs. Jay Shannon, Mrs. Jeremy Stone, Mrs. Tom Mays, Ms. Ashley Bishop, Mrs. William Bennett, Mrs. Russell Wacaster, Mrs. Steven Rynders and Dr. Oyidie Igbokidi.
The 18 young ladies will be presented at the 74th Red Rose Debutante Ball on Saturday, Dec. 21, in the Arlington Hotel’s Crystal Ballroom. It is an invitation-only event for friends and families of the debutantes. However, all former Hot Springs debutantes are welcome to attend. If you are a former Hot Springs Debutante and would like additional information, please contact Mrs. Brian Gehrki at 617-2784.
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Post time: Sep-09-2019
