The Dallas Symphony Orchestra League introduced the 2019-2020 debutantes during Announcement Weekend festivities held June 6-8. The weekend marked the official start of a season of events culminating with the 34th Presentation Ball, which will be held February 8, 2020.
The weekend began with the announcement party at Stanley Korshak on Thursday evening, June 6. On Friday, June 7, Stanley Korshak hosted a couture gown show featuring the gowns of designer Mackenzie Brittingham. On Saturday the 8th, Neiman Marcus hosted a brunch and gown show.
The Honorary Chairs for the 2020 Presentation Ball were announced and recognized at the Announcement Party: Dr. Linda Burk and Dr. James Gilmore. They are longtime supporters of the DSO and the Dallas community. Their two daughters Laura and Jane Gilmore are former debutantes and their son John Gilmore served as an honor guard.
The Presentation Ball Chair is Melissa Lewis and DSOL President is Kim Brannon. Melissa knows well what to expect during the debutante season. Her daughter Olivia made her debut in 2015.
The formal announcement of the debutantes by Roger Gault went flawlessly with the help of the many committee members who worked behind the scenes. Heather Moore and Kendra Averitt coached the debutantes and the honor guard in the staging area.
The 2019-2020 debutantes are: Emily Baschab, Audrey Berner, Isabella Cox, Grace Crenshaw, Gracie Davis, Maddy Duvall, Maddie Esping, Eleanor Gambrell, Georgia Hallam, Hunter Hart, Kate Jones, Izzy Keene, Ellie King, Katie Kottwitz, Mary Kumpf, Avery Levoyer, Catherine Magee, Audrey Magnuson, Allie McWhorter, Shelby Nelson, Grace Olson, Annalea Pedigo, Beth Ryan, Kendell Sigel, Margaret Smith, Campbell Swango, Sara Tacito, Julia Tribolet, Savannah Troutt, Brynn Weakley, Genny Wood.
“I am so honored to be guiding these wonderful young women through the 2020 Debutante season,” said Presentation Ball Chair Melissa Lewis. “Over the next 9 months, our debutantes and their families will enjoy many wonderful events and will make memories that will last a lifetime. They will make new friends and have one of a kind experiences all while supporting the outstanding education and outreach programs of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.”
Susan Averitt Duvall was a debutante at the inaugural ball held in 1987 and her daughter Madelyn will be making her debut this season. The entire Averitt family was involved in the DSOL’s first Presentation Ball when Susan made her debut. Brother Mark Averitt was a member of the Honor Guard, and brother Don Averitt worked behind the scenes and graciously greeted the guests. The Averitt family has continued their support of the Dallas Symphony for the past 30+ years.
Included in the attendees that evening were Tincy Miller, Lisa and Kenny Troutt, Amanda and Brint Ryan, Sarah Jo and Mark Hardin, Kim Noltemy, James Leffler, and Lisa Loy Laughlin.
The Presentation Ball, which was first held in 1987, is the largest fundraiser for the DSOL. Over $11 million has been raised for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra through the annual event, which was created with the vision of long-time League member Tincy Miller, who chaired the first ball.
Founded in 1946, the DSOL's mission is to support the Dallas Symphony Orchestra through service, education and fundraising activities. Since 1998 the League has contributed over $19 million in support of the Dallas Symphony Association’s Community Outreach and Education programs, which help bring the wonder of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra to thousands of youths and adults in the Dallas Metroplex.
Photos by Gittings