July 11, 2019

Desert Foundation Auxiliary Welcomes 2019 Debutantes

Front: 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 and Molli Marie Mead. Back: 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 and Megan Elizabeth Miller. Not Pictured: Jessica Elizabeth Katzman, Alexandra (Lexie) Suzanne Robertson

In late April, Desert Foundation Auxiliary and Ronnie Kiefer, president, welcomed its 2019 Desert Debutantes and their mothers to an elegant tea. The events was chaired by Michelle Walker and hosted in the home of Dyan Getz. White House Design Studio created the beautiful floral designs that adorned the entrance, interior and patio in fuchsia, accented with black and white. New members, with many active and associate members, prepared the tea sandwiches and desserts, using traditional DFA recipes.

After the tea, 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 Barbara Dunlap shared the tradition and history of DFA and reviewed the many charities that have been recipients of proceeds from the annual Desert Ball over the past 54 years. Dunlap’s daughter, Robin Snyder, a past debutante and current member, highlighted the community and lifelong friendships that are formed in the year leading up to the Desert Ball.

The 2019 ball is planned for December 21 at the Phoenician.

PHOTOS BY COLLEEN KATZZ PICTURES IN PIXELS COURTESY DESERT FOUNDATION AUXILIARY