Desert Foundation Auxiliary Welcomes 2019 Desert Debutantes And Their Mothers At The Annual Tea

Desert Foundation Auxiliary and President Mrs. Stephen Kiefer (Ronnie) welcomed its 2019 Desert Debutantes and their mothers to an elegant tea, chaired by Mrs. Marc Walker (Michelle) and hosted in the lovely home of Mrs. George Getz (Dyan). 

Beautiful floral designs created by White House adorned the entrance, the interior and the patio in fuchsia, accented with black and white décor. Delicious tea sandwiches and desserts were lovingly prepared by our new members, assisted by many active and associate members, using the traditional Desert Foundation Auxiliary recipes.

After enjoying the tea, all attendees were seated in the backyard where the traditional turquoise color was prevalent, and photos of past Debutantes and their families were displayed. Associate member Mrs. Charles Dunlap (Barbara), educated the Debutantes and their mothers regarding the tradition and history of DFA, and she reviewed the many charities that have been recipients of Ball proceeds over the past 54 years. Barbara’s daughter, Mrs. Mark Snyder (Robin), a post Debutante and current member, highlighted the community and life-long friendships that are formed in the year leading up to the Desert Ball.

DFA’s Debutante Ball Chair, Mrs. Mark Dewane (Wendy), and Co-Chair, Mrs. Brian Hegardt (Jill), educated the Debutantes and their mothers on what to expect in the months leading up to the Desert Ball. The Ball will be held on December 21, 2019, at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale.  Proceeds from the Ball will benefit Gigi U, which is a skills and development program for adults with Down syndrome, and Elder TLC, an emerging program that distributes essentials and gifts to low-income residents in senior care facilities. The program concluded with an introduction of each Debutante who were given our traditional DFA charms.

2019 Desert Foundation Auxiliary Desert Debutantes

Front Row Left to Right: Alison Ashley Kovach, Kendall Elizabeth Worthington, Jordan Leigh Weaver, Emily (Emme) Anne Alofs, Grace Christine Taylor, Hannah Haskell Johnston, Emily Raquel Bachus, Paige Kathyrn Gapusan, Molli Marie Mead

Back Row Left to Right: Grace Ann Fioriti, Renee Clare Pierson, Jordan (Izzy) Isabella Van Winkle, Helene Bower Hart, Eva Nicole Bennat, Sophia Jean Shapiro, Claire Ellen Fable, Charlie Shelden Robertson, Abigail (Abbie) Luverne Ritt, Megan Elizabeth Miller

Not Pictured: Jessica Elizabeth Katzman, Alexandra (Lexie) Suzanne Robertson