The Altruist Club, organized in the early segregated 1950s, started the debutante ball to celebrate Black teens. The social affair recognizes and honors “poised, morally upstanding young women.”
Partnering community networking businesses, individuals, churches and community organizations sponsor the young ladies—originally offering Black teens the experience of being in the spotlight and making the right connections in society and the real world.
In addition to selling tickets to the dinner-dance, the young women also have performed community service projects and take charm and etiquette classes. Young men, selected as escorts who waltz the formally attired girls across the ballroom, also participate in etiquette classes.
As a community service project, the ball participants have engaged in various activities as collecting food to fill and distribute food baskets, served food at the Rescue Mission and manned Salvation Army Kettles. They have also collected canned goods to prepare Thanksgiving baskets filled with turkeys and all the ingredients for a bountiful meal. The baskets were distributed to those in need.
Irene Middleman Thomas of the Miami Herald in her January 18, 2014 article referencing Hotel Roanoke, said “the stately…Tudor-style “Grand Old Lady,” exquisitely restored in the mid ’90s, is filled with historical photos, frescoes, memorabilia and furnishings. It is once again the site for debutante balls, power brunches,” et.al.
There is something to say about traditions in this new age of transience–and the Roanoke Altruist Club Debutante Ball will proudly celebrate its 66th year. The affair is scheduled for December 27, at 6 pm and once again debs and their escorts will dance the traditional Waltz, modern dance styles and have fun in celebration of this grand affair.
Mark your course for this inspiring tradition that wonderfully showcases our youth through a social venture that also provides scholarship money for participating debutantes.
Ball tickets ($50) may be purchased by contacting Jerome Stevens, club treasurer @ 537-0569.
