THE CROWD:

In its 66th year of community service, the Assistance League of Newport-Mesa introduced its 2006 Debutantes to society at a summer ball held at the Balboa Bay Club & Resort. It was the 15th Assistance League Medallion Ball, a Sunday evening black tie debut attended by some 250 guests, presenting 15 young women from three area high schools including a set of identical twins from Newport Beach, Emily and Nora Josephson. The girls attend Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana and are headed off to different universities, the University of Arizona and the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Elaine Basmajian of Newport Beach, a longtime Assistance League devotee whose own daughter, Kristin, was an Assistance League Debutante in 1986, chaired the event. “It was both an honor and a privilege to serve as the chairperson of this committee. I am humbled by the accomplishments of these girls and the service they’ve provided to their community,” Basmajian said. Her committee included Carol Hoppe, Karen Treaccer, Jennifer Farris, Jennifer Martin, Marie France Lefebvre, Diana Brooks, Joanne Johnston, Cindy De Baun, Mary Lynn Bergman-Rallis, Laurie Easton and Valice Payton to name only a few.

The decor of the summer party was created around a seasonal pink and white color theme and the Balboa Bay Club ballroom was festooned with abundant pink rose blossoms. Each young lady, dressed in a formal white gown was escorted by her father, dressed in white tie and tails. Their presentation represents the culmination of four years of community service designated by Assistance League programs. The Medallion necklace, worn by each debutante is a symbol of this community service. The gold necklace is a graduation token and a reminder of the purpose of the Assistance League program in the Newport-Mesa community.

The evening began with a cocktail reception in the foyer of the ballroom. The room was surrounded by formal portraits of the debutantes, each picture taken in a style that depicted their individual personalities. Following cocktails the ballroom doors were opened, guests seated, and the formal presentation began as mothers were introduced, escorted by brothers and close friends of the debutantes. Next, the fathers proudly entered the room, to the tune of “Stout Hearted Men,” waiting for their young ladies in white, carrying pompadours of pink roses to make their formal bow, introduced to society by master of ceremonies Dale Johnston. The fathers and daughters then paraded around the ballroom to the applause and the tears of loved ones as Barry Cole and his Sound of Music Orchestra played. Dancing continued throughout the evening, with family and friends joining the debutantes as they celebrated their special night.

Founded in 1940, Assistance League supports local programs including the Cheri Harris Children’s Dental Health Center, Operation School Bell, Kids on the Block, and the Community Outreach Program. The organization supports their philanthropic projects through proceeds from a year-round Thrift Shop, Treasures on Consignment shop, fundraising events and grants.

The 2006 Medallion Debutantes include: Brittany Cluck, Julie Farris, Hayley Heck, Emily Josephson, Nora Josephson, Ashley Lago, Kristi Mexia, Kelly Nelson, Gabrielle Nestande, Lindsay Norman, Megan Peyton, Ashley Rogers, Marisa Scott, Allison Simons and Andrea Zamucen.

For more information about the Assistance League of Newport-Mesa call (949) 645-6929 or visit www.alnm.org.