A golden debut for young volunteers

The Newport Harbor Auxiliary of the Children’s Home Society of

California presented 18 lovely young women at its 46th Debutante

Ball. The Ritz Carlton Hotel in Laguna Niguel was the setting for a

glittering holiday evening, bringing several hundred Newport-Mesa

guests to a party hosted by Thor and Teresa Degelmann.

The Children’s Home Society of California is the state’s oldest

and largest nonprofit child welfare agency. Founded in 1891, the

organization has developed several programs aimed at child care and

development, education and family services.

The debutantes are immersed in community services related to

Children’s Home Society projects for years before their social

presentation. Under the elegant white gowns and golden medallions

worn by each young lady is a sense of pride that they have completed

a long program of service-oriented volunteerism that has helped

others less fortunate. Just as significant is the fact that these

debutantes will be pursuing their own personal goals via higher

education. Clearly, young women poised to take their place in society

on many levels.

The master of ceremonies and presenter of the debutantes was

Finley Lowe Taylor. He was joined by his wife Karen Taylor,

chairwoman of the debutante ball. Interestingly, the Taylors do not

have a daughter. They are proud parents of a son and very much

involved in the work of Children’s Home Society.

The evening began with an elegant cocktail reception with hors d’

oeuvres, including lobster medallions and grilled shrimp. Dinner

began with a salad of baby lettuce garnished with gorgonzola and figs

in a white balsamic vinaigrette. An entree of filet mignon and jumbo

prawns was served with risotto cake as the crowd table-hopped and

began dancing to the sounds of Barry Cole and his Sounds of Music

Orchestra. The ballroom was tastefully designed by Rick Breckon from

the floral design studio at the Ritz Carlton Hotel.

Supporting the Taylors in creating an exceptional evening were

committee members Melinda Patton, Elizabeth Airth, Mary Galyon,

Barbara Cline, Leslee Lynch, Leslie Cies, Shawna Sparks, Carolyn

Holder and Karen Loeb, to name only a few.

The evening was underwritten by the generous patronage of the

Hanson Family Charitable Foundation, Mr. and Mrs. Jeffery Lewis, Mr.

and Mrs. Duane Roberts and generous contributions from the parents

and friends of all the debutantes.

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