Future debutantes gathered on Saturday for a kickoff tea party, close to 50 years after the last cotillion ball took place in Gainesville.
Ten girls age 15 and 16 have signed up for the event, which will consist of monthly meetings to teach about faith and community service, said organizer Qiana Keith. The monthly classes and service-oriented events will culminate in the spring with The Belles of the Sister You Are Beautiful debutante program.
Saturday’s tea was a chance to introduce the young women to the community and officially start the cotillion program.
The program is being coordinated by The Genesis Council, a project of the Newtown Florist Club.The first meeting covering different aspects of faith in the community will take place Aug. 12, followed by a volunteer service project the following Saturday.
Young women interested in joining the debutante program may contact Keith at 678-524-0159.