Brother Ramon Ray, Chairperson

A debutante is a young lady during her first season in society; the “Presentation” is her first formal appearance in society. She is described as “beautiful, graceful, elegant, charming, intelligent, innocent, cultured, talented, lovely, etc.

In 1945, the Beta Phi Lambda chapter initiated the Annual Debutante Presentation and Ball, an esteemed event wherein the city's finest young women, commencing their first year of college, were formally introduced to society. The wives of the chapter's brothers dutifully served as "matrons" or chaperons for these young ladies. In 1958, a group of Alpha wives, led by the late Mrs. Richard Moore (Ouida) and the late Brother A. E. Peacock, President of Beta Phi Lambda Chapter, convened with the purpose of establishing an auxiliary to the chapter. This auxiliary was named "The Alphabettes." Since its inception, the Alphabettes have played a crucial role in supporting the chapter, with one of their most notable contributions being the Annual Debutante Presentation. The Annual Debutante Presentation, initiated in 1945 with the introduction of six young ladies, has evolved into a meticulously planned event under the guidance of the Alphabettes. This program of activities is meticulously designed to highlight qualities that exemplify refined womanhood. A significant aspect of this presentation is the bestowal of scholarships to deserving participants, marking a commitment to fostering educational pursuits. Since 2010, the Beta Phi Lambda chapter has proudly awarded over $36,000 in scholarships. All wives and widows of the chapter's brothers are esteemed members of the Alphabettes, collectively contributing to the organization's unwavering support of the chapter's initiatives. The list of contributions from Alphabettes members is extensive, and the dedication of individuals such as Mrs. John Copeland (Beverly), Mrs. Elijah West, Jr. (Valarie), Mrs. Ramon Ray (Elainor), Mrs. Alfred McGuire (Kimberly), Mrs. DeWayne Gilliard (LaTashia), Mrs. Ranell Williams (Lori), Mrs. Chester Ellis (Wilmotine), and Mrs. Sam Maddox (Mertha) is noteworthy.

 

Each Debutante is honored with a Lillie Jackson Ray scholarship, a tribute to Mrs. Ray's tireless efforts with the Debutantes from 1987 until her illness in November 2012. The Beta Phi Lambda chapter, through the dedicated efforts of the Alphabettes, continues to uphold a tradition of excellence and scholarship, fostering the development of young women in Savannah. This year's Debutante presentation is postured to be held at Victory North in Savannah, Georgia, 22 December 2023 at 6:00 in the evening. For more information about this ticketed event for to find out how to enroll a prospective debutante, please contact Brother Ramon Ray by text or calling 912.704.3124 or via email at alphadebutantes@comcast.net.

 

Purchase event tickets by clicking HERE.