An Exciting Tradition Continues
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra League's Debutante & Honor Guard Casino Party unfolded in all its splendor at the elegant Arlington Hall on July 19th. The Debs and Honor Guard came together for an evening of dinner, casino games, and dancing.
Presentation Ball co-chairs Ginger Sager and Barbara Averitt greeted each arriving guest with gracious smiles and heartfelt welcomes.
“The Dallas Symphony Orchestra is honored to have a close group of established and respected families of the Dallas community support our mission through our presentation ball,” said event chair Claire Catrino. “Our casino party is the culmination of many summer events and an additional way we celebrate our debutantes, honor guard, families, and sponsors.”
The Debutantes, Honor Guard, and their families were treated to an evening filled with an array of cocktails setting the perfect tone for the festivities, followed by a generous buffet dinner.
At the appointed time, the Debutantes gathered outside for a group photo alongside an elegant Aston Martin provided by event sponsor Avondale Dealerships.
The guests’ attire for the evening ranged from short cocktail dresses to long evening dresses. Black tie for the gentleman allowed room for some lighthearted fun such as the watermelon print bow tie worn by Honor Guard Matthew Laza. Mitchell Ward, father of Debutante Samantha Ward, was the star of the evening when he arrived sporting his cowboy hat and bright red ostrich cowboy boots.
The spotlight shifted to the musical entertainment Ice House Band, one of Dallas's most dynamic and electrifying party bands.
Guests in attendance included Linda Gilmore, Kristi and Ron Hoyl, Beth and Garner Newton, Jennifer and Taylor Stone, Niki and Randall Turner, and Catherine Gravel.
Closing announcements were made and the raffle prize winners names were drawn. Grand Prize winner was Dakota Richardson who received a certificate from Avondale Dealerships for a chauffeured driven evening in his choice of either a Bentley Bentayga or Aston Martin DBX SUV and dinner for two at Mister Charles.
Additional sponsors for the evening were PaperCity and Mister Tuxedo.
One of the many beneficiaries of the Presentation Ball’s proceeds is the Young Strings program which has seen numerous participants go on to be admitted to renowned and esteemed higher learning institutions.
The countdown has begun for the Debutantes' highly anticipated debut at the 39th Annual Presentation Ball, an iconic event set to unfold on February 15th, 2025, at the prestigious Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.
Photos by Gittings and Deborah Brown