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AKA Debutante Handbook

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Upsilon Omega Chapter, in Collaboration with Zenobia’s Promise Foundation, Inc. Richmond, Virginia

Greetings!

Greetings Debutantes:

Congratulations on being selected to participate in the 70th year of the Debutante Project, sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Upsilon Omega Chapter and its charitable arm, Zenobia’s Promise Foundation, Incorporated.

Each component of the project is specifically designed to further cultivate your development into a successful community-minded young woman. In addition to having the opportunity to receive scholarship awards to pursue higher education, you will also experience engaging workshops, inspiring community service activities, and memorable sisterly fellowship while getting to know like-minded young women from Richmond and surrounding localities.

Being a debutante is also a commitment. You will be required to devote your time to workshops, activities, rehearsals and community service events. However, the ultimate culminating event will be when you are presented to society at the debutante ball in the presence of your parents, family members and the greater Richmond community. This year our ball will be held on December 21, 2024.

As you begin your journey as a debutante, we encourage you to take advantage of all the project has to offer. Come prepared to learn and participate in each workshop, reach out to meet new friends, have fun at the rehearsals and community service events and make the most of your experience enjoying your shining moment.

The Debutante Class of 2024 will embark upon an exciting journey of development and challenge. Character, determination, and discipline will be our foundation; teamwork, support, and mutual respect are our growth; achievement, dedication, and strength exemplify our promise for the future. The friendships you develop and the memories you will share will bond you together for a lifetime. Our dreams will be reflected as you are presented to society during an evening of elegance. You will go forth with grace, confidence, poise, and empowerment.

Sincerely, Mrs. Kimya Fitz

2024 Debutante Committee Chairman

Email: debutanteprojectuo@gmail.com

Zenobia’s

Code

Rehearsals

Debutante Bio Information

Escort

Debutante Dress

Hair and Hair Ornaments

Shoe Style

Dress Approval Process

Additional Requirements

General Recommendations

Day of the Ball

Father/Escort/Mother/Guest Attire

Tuxedo Vendor

About Us

ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INCORPORATED ®

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ® had its humble beginnings as the vision of nine college students on the campus of Howard University in 1908. It is the world's oldest college‐based sorority founded by Negro women. Since then, the sorority has flourished into a globally impactful organization of over 360,000 college trained members, bound by the bonds of sisterhood and empowered by a commitment to servant leadership that is both domestic and international in its scope.

As Alpha Kappa Alpha has grown, it has maintained its focus in two key areas: the lifelong personal and professional development of each of its members; and galvanizing its membership into an organization of respected power and influence, consistently at the forefront of effective advocacy and social change that results in equality and equity for all citizens of the world.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s mission is to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, to promote unity and friendship among college women, to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature, to maintain a progressive interest in college life, and to be of “Service to All Mankind”.

Service and sisterhood have been the cornerstone of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ® since 1908. With the theme “Soaring to Greater Heights of Service and Sisterhood”, the 2022-2026 administration is focused on six initiatives:

● Strengthen Our Sisterhood

● Empower our Families

● Build Our Economic Wealth

● Enhance Our Environment

● Advocate for Social Justice

● Uplift Our Local Community

UPSILON OMEGA CHAPTER

Since its chartering on October 14, 1925, Upsilon Omega Chapter has given the Richmond community a rich heritage of programs impacting education, arts and culture, health and wellness and social advocacy. The chapter’s membership of more than 250 Alpha Kappa Alpha women includes metro Richmond’s most prominent and accomplished professionals. During the past 99 years, Upsilon Omega chapter has delivered on the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated promise of providing service to all mankind.

ZENOBIA’S PROMISE FOUNDATION, INC.

Zenobia’s Promise Foundation, Inc. is a public charitable foundation and the philanthropic arm of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Upsilon Omega Chapter. The Foundation exists to support educational and charitable projects that enrich the lives of the underserved in the Richmond Metropolitan Area and the Commonwealth of Virginia. At the core of the Foundation’s stated purpose is the provision of scholarships for African American students and the support of other educational, scientific, and cultural programs that enrich the lives of the area’s African American community. Named for the first chapter president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Upsilon Omega Chapter, Zenobia Gilpin Henderson, the Foundation is building on the rich legacy of Upsilon Omega’s nearly 100 years of service to the Richmond Community.

Program History

In the spring of 1953, the Service Committee of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Upsilon Omega Chapter met to discuss ways in which the sorority could best serve families of the Richmond community. The committee agreed to establish a fund to provide shoes to children in need. In the fall of 1953, the Chapter adopted the “Cinderella Contest” and held the first “Cinderella Ball” in the spring of 1954. Proceeds from the project were designated to provide shoes to students on a regular basis and the participant who raised the highest amount of money was crowned “Miss Cinderella”. The contest was a tremendous success that provided many enriching experiences for the high school girls who participated. To date, this fund continues to meet the needs of children in the city of Richmond, as well as in the neighboring counties.

Through the years, the format of the “Cinderella Contest” gradually changed, and in the mid-seventies Upsilon Omega adopted the AKA Debutante Project. Its purpose is to provide enriching experiences for girls who are high school juniors and seniors and contribute to the AKA Shoe Bank fund with a Debutante Ball serving as the culminating activity for the project. Upsilon Omega Chapter established the “AKA Shoe Bank Fund” in September 1954 in an attempt to preserve and financially support its commitment to needy children of Richmond Public Schools.

In 1986, Upsilon Omega Chapter established a policy that allocated a portion of the proceeds from the AKA Debutante Project to provide financial assistance in recognition of academic achievement as well as the purchase of shoes for local students. In 2023, Upsilon Omega Chapter and Zenobia’s Promise Foundation, Inc. collaborated to jointly host this program and will continue to do so. Proceeds from corporate sponsorships, ad, patrons and ticket sales are used to support program components, funding for scholarships and shoes for needy school children.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVES

The Debutante Project serves to equip, encourage and stimulate young ladies who are juniors and seniors in high school to pursue higher education, academic excellence, personal development and civic involvement. The program focuses on:

● Enhancing personal, civic and leadership development.

● Provide structured educational workshops.

● Promote camaraderie and positive relationships with other young women.

Project Expectations

COMMUNICATION

Communication related to the Debutante Project will primarily occur through electronic mediums, such Google Forms, email, or other channels. Each debutante and her parent/guardian should have a valid email address.

ATTENDANCE

Each debutante is expected to attend all workshops and rehearsals, as well as community service project(s). Each debutante is expected to arrive on time for each event. A reminder will be sent via email approximately a week before each activity/workshop. If the debutante is unable to attend an activity, an email should be sent 48 hours in advance to: debutanteprojectuo@gmail.com.

CODE OF CONDUCT (Parents, Debutantes and Escorts)

1. To respect and abide by the expectations, guidelines, procedures and deadlines outlined in the Debutante Handbook, by the committee and as noted at debutante orientation.

2. To have respect for other participants (debutantes, family members, escorts, workshop presenters and choreographer) in the program as well as members of the debutante committee.

3. To respect all decisions and deliberations made by the debutante committee.

4. To publicly present in a way that reflects high moral and ethical character by:

a. obeying the law

b. exercising good manners

c. displaying concern for your appearance

d. refraining from profanity, acts of violence or criminal conduct

5. Exhibit respect for other debutantes and students by avoiding demeaning, negative remarks, ridiculing and gossip.

6. Demonstrate high regard for oneself by avoiding derogatory, demeaning and insulting remarks.

7. Be polite, kind, fair, honest and conciliatory.

8. Work diligently to support the programs of the Debutante Project and participate actively and fully in workshops and other activities that enhance personal development.

9. Maintain integrity of financial matters as related to fundraising and financial procedures.

10. Remain current with all financial obligations.

WORKSHOPS

Monthly sessions are planned to give debutantes information, and opportunities to practice life, career and social skills.

1. Cell phones must be silenced and stored away at least five (5) minutes before each workshop begins. and should only be accessed during breaks and/or after dismissal.

2. Each debutante must remain engaged during each workshop and is encouraged to take notes.

3. Each debutante must listen to the speaker and ask questions.

4. Each debutante must refrain from talking while presenters are speaking.

5. Funds for ticket sales, ads and patrons should be submitted by parents during workshops, activities and rehearsals.

Project Expectations (Continued)

REHEARSALS

Debutante rehearsals are held every Monday beginning October 14th thru December 16th from 7- 9 pm. Rehearsals are held at Thomas H. Henderson Middle School, 4319 Old Brook Road, Richmond, VA 23227. The debutante and father/presenter will begin rehearsing on Monday, October 14, 2024. The choreographer will notify debutantes when Escorts and the Mother/ Mother Figures need to attend rehearsal. Additional rehearsals may be required, and will be communicated in advance. A final rehearsal will be held on the morning of the ball, December 21st from 10am-12pm. All rehearsals are mandatory for debutantes and participants when scheduled.

DEBUTANTE BIO INFORMATION

A short biography is needed from each debutante. The bio information is used in the ball program book, the souvenir journal and used to introduce the debutante at the ball. To facilitate collecting debutante and escort information, each debutante is requested to complete the Deb Family Information Form. The form can be accessed at: AKA Debutante Bio Information. We are requesting biographical information as well as information on your school activities, church activities, escort information, and parent information. Please complete the online form fully with the information exactly as you would like it to appear in the program book, and to introduce the debutante at the ball. All debutantes are asked to complete this form by November 18, 2024.

ESCORT REQUIREMENTS

Each debutante is responsible for identifying and selecting an escort to support her participation in the Debutante Ball. Escorts will participate in a dance with the debutantes in addition to other escort duties. Please select your escort based on the below criteria:

● We strongly recommend you pick a trusted friend or family member as your escort. Choose someone who is willing to commit to the entirety of the debutante project, and be reliable and supportive of you throughout the process.

● Escort must have reliable transportation.

● Escort must attend all required rehearsals and activities. Reference the calendar of activities where escorts must be present. Escort dance rehearsals normally begin in early November.

● Please double check the required dates with your escort candidate before submitting his name.

● Escort (or his parents) must commit to paying applicable tuxedo rental fees

● Escort must commit to returning the tuxedo.

● Escort and parent must have a reliable email address

● The escort attire will be a black tuxedo, white shirt w/ pleated front and wing collar, black bow tie and cummerbund, black shoes and black socks.

Feel free to share the <<ESCORT HANDBOOK>> with your escort and his parents/guardians.

Debutante Ball Presentation

This is your night to shine! You are the guest of honor, and all eyes will be on you. You will be able to look back at your photos from this event and smile with pride. The look we are striving for is elegant and timeless. We want you to be radiant! Traditionally, debutantes wear white ball gowns, with no train, and minimal decorations. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to find the dress of your dreams. In year’s past, debutantes have borrowed, rented, purchased or had dresses made. Some have even discovered their perfect gown during sales and seasonal closeouts. There are a lot of other options. However, the debutante’s dress must be approved by the committee prior to purchase.

DEBUTANTE DRESS REQUIREMENTS

Through the years, the Debutante Ball has been unforgettable because of its atmosphere, ambiance and beautiful Debutante attire. In an effort to present an unforgettable affair again for this year’s Debutante Ball, the following is required:

1. The debutante gown should be a full‐skirted gown of PAPER WHITE fabric (satin, peau de soie, chiffon, voile, lace, taffeta, etc.).

2. The skirt of the dress must allow for curtsying and dancing. The length must be short enough to move, but long enough to hide your shoes. The bottom of the dress should not drag the floor.

3. Crinoline skirts can provide fullness to the bottom of the gown.

4. The straps must be at least 4 inches wide and opaque. Straps can be added to strapless dresses.

5. Gowns should not show cleavage, should not be backless, nor should the skirt area be fitted.

6. There should be no dangling sequins, glitter or obvious rhinestone trims. Pearls, lace and ruffles are acceptable. The bodice can have seed pearls, sheer sequins, and/or small transparent/shiny beads.

7. The gown should be accessorized with over‐the‐elbow or wrist‐length gloves according to the sleeve length of the gown.

HAIR AND HAIR ORNAMENTS

Any style of hair is acceptable, as long as it is neat and well groomed. For safety reasons, no hair ornaments are allowed, including barrettes, jewels, pearls, glitter, tiaras, or pins (natural hair color bobby pins are acceptable). No adornment should be added to the hair.

SHOE STYLE

Shoes should be PLAIN white closed toe pumps of peau de soie, satin, linen, etc. with a low to medium heel height (1-2 inches is recommended). No socks should be worn with shoes and sling back shoe styles are not permitted. The shoes should have a comfortable fit.

DRESS APPROVAL PROCESS

The debutante’s dress must be approved by the Debutante Committee Chairman. In order for your dress to be approved, please email a photo of the dress (front and back) to debutanteprojectuo@gmail.com. If your dress requires alterations, please ensure they are completed well in advance of the ball. Remember, please be sure to get approval from the Debutante Committee Chairman prior to making your dress purchase.

Debutante Ball Presentation

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

● Jewelry should consist of a single string of white pearls (16”, 18" or 20") and small stud white pearl earrings.

● White or flesh toned hosiery is recommended for shoe comfort.

● Nail polish should be white, sheer, French manicure, soft pink, etc.

● Nails should be modest in length.

● Makeup should be soft colors, whites, silvers, champagnes, soft pinks. Heavy dark or bright colors are not recommended.

● Tattoos should be covered.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

● Do not wait to shop for gowns, shoes, gloves and jewelry. Start shopping now!

● Do not wait to shop for tuxedos, suits and gowns for other children, parents, grandparents, etc.

● Refrain from scheduling activities not related to the ball on the day of the ball.

● Schedule hair, nail, eyebrow appointments for everyone prior to the day of the ball. We recommend Wednesday and Friday evening for these appointments, as a practice may be scheduled the Thursday before the ball.

● Debutantes and escorts should eat a full meal prior to putting on their gowns, and before arriving at the venue.

● Several prom dress websites have options to shop by color and full-length gown. However, if you decide to order your dress online, make sure the dress is white and not off-white as most modern wedding dresses are not white.

● A list of former debutantes who are willing to sell or give away their dress may be provided

DAY OF THE BALL

● The dress rehearsal is usually scheduled for 1oam-12pm on the day of the ball.

● Debutantes and escorts have only 4 hours to travel, rest a bit, eat, dress, makeup and return to the venue.

● Debutantes, parents and escorts are usually asked to return by 4pm for pictures.

● Flowers are provided for the debutante, parents and escorts just prior to the pictures.

○ An arm bouquet is provided for the debutante, a wrist corsage is provided for the debutante’s mother/ mother figure, and boutonnieres are provided for the escort and father/ father figure.

● The presentation generally begins at 6:30pm and may last until 7:30pm, with dinner occurring between 7:30pm – 8:30pm, and music, dancing and mingling from 8:30pm-11:00pm.

● The presentation includes the debs dancing with the fathers/presenters, debs dancing with escorts and the debs dancing alone.

● Personal professional photographers or videographers are not allowed.

FATHER’S/PRESENTER’S ATTIRE

Black tuxedo, white formal shirt w/ standard collar, black bowtie and cummerbund, black shoes and black socks.

Debutante Ball Presentation

ESCORT’S ATTIRE

Black tuxedo, white shirt w/ pleated front and wing collar, black bow tie and cummerbund, black shoes and black socks.

MOTHER’S ATTIRE

Long, floor length gown in any color other than white. Tattoos should be covered.

GUESTS’ ATTIRE

ALL guests are expected to dress in tuxedos/black suits and formal gowns.

TUXEDO VENDOR

The preferred tuxedo rental vendor for Escorts and Fathers/Presenters is:

Men’s Warehouse 9970 Brook Road Glen Allen, Virginia 23059 (804)262‐5063

A representative from Men’s Warehouse will attend a rehearsal to take measurements and deposits for Escorts and Fathers/Presenters. An announcement with the date, time and deposit amount will be provided in advance.

Souvenir Journal

The Souvenir Journal provides a visually lasting memory of the Debutante Project. Hence, it is important for this document to be a product of quality - one that may be treasured for years to come. This is a publication in which parents, relatives, friends and businesses have the opportunity to express their thoughts about their special debutantes and, in some instances, advertise their businesses.

To ensure excellent quality printing, Debutantes are requested to submit camera-ready ads. Ads must be original, clear, black or color print and not fuzzy. We are requesting ads be submitted in digital form. Please submit as a PDF, Microsoft PowerPoint or a Microsoft Word document, with digital quality photographs.

Ads & Patrons for the Souvenir Journal

Each debutante is required to raise a minimum of $1,000 in ads and patrons for the debutante souvenir journal. Fundraising should be personal and direct with family members, friends, close associates, businesses and organizations, and Debs should not use ‘GoFundMe’ pages to solicit for ads or patrons. Funds raised benefit the Upsilon Omega Shoe Bank and Upsilon Omega and Zenobia’s Promise Foundation, Inc. Scholarship Awards. Please feel free to use our Sample Solicitation Letter as a guide.

Ads and patrons should be submitted in person by parents during the 3 collection dates provided on the debutante project calendar. Ad submissions, patron lists, and the minimum $1,000 are due by November 18, 2024. Ads and patrons received after November 18, 2024 will not be showcased in the souvenir journal.

Pricing of ads and patrons for the 2024 debutante souvenir journal are as follows:

● Full Page - $100

● Half Page- $80

● Quarter Page- $60

● One‐Eighth Page- $50

● Patron (One name)- $10

● Patron (Two names)- $20

SOUVENIR JOURNAL STYLE GUIDE

Refer to the Debutante Souvenir Journal Style Guide for detailed ad and patron information, guidelines, instructions, and examples of ads for the souvenir journal.

Please adhere to the final ads and patrons deadline. If you have not submitted the minimum requirement of $1,000.00 in ads and/or patrons by November 18, 2024, then you must personally pay the balance that is due on November 18, 2024.

If technical assistance is needed with developing or submitting souvenir journal ads contact the Debutante Committee Chairman.

Individual Donor Receipts

Zenobia’s Promise Foundation, Inc. is a public 501(c)3 charitable foundation and the philanthropic arm of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Upsilon Omega Chapter. Ad and patron donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Only the payor donor on the form of payment received by Zenobia’s Promise Foundation, Inc. is eligible for a receipt. Receipts are available upon request, and requests must be sent via email to fundraising@zenobiaspromise.org

Activity Schedule

The following are important dates to remember including key financial due dates, workshops, and rehearsals.

Day/ Time

Saturday, June 22

Activity

10:00 am Orientation

Location

Upsilon Omega Chapter Office Interstate Center Conference Room 2104 West Laburnum Ave Richmond, VA 23227

Saturday, June 22 Intent to Participate Form Due Intent to Participate Form

Saturday, June 22

Monday, July 22

Commitment Fee Due ($220 Non-Refundable)

Payable to: Upsilon Omega Chapter, Special Projects

2nd Participation Payment Due ($220) Payable to: Upsilon Omega Chapter, Special Projects

Sunday, July 28 4- 6 pm Get Acquainted Tea

Saturday, Aug 10 4- 7 pm

Thursday, Aug 22

Saturday, Sep 14 8:30 am- 10 am

Saturday, Sep 14 9 am- 4 pm

Saturday, Sep 21 9 am- 12 pm

Saturday, Oct 12 9:30 am- 11 am

Fun Day/Game Night

3rd/Final Participation Payment Due ($220) [Deadline for refund requests] Payable to: Upsilon Omega Chapter, Special Projects

Ad and Patron Funds Submission #1 Payable to: Zenobia’s Promise Foundation, Inc

Total You Workshop

Community Service: Florence Neal Cooper Smith 5K Walk for Sickle Cell (Escorts are invited)

Ad and Patron Funds Submission #2 Payable to: Zenobia’s Promise Foundation, Inc

Saturday, Oct 12 10 am- 12 pm Financial Literacy Workshop

Monday, Oct 14 7- 9 pm (Student Holiday & Columbus Day)

Monday, Oct 21 7- 9 pm

Monday, Oct 28 7- 9 pm

Ball Rehearsal, Day #1

Ball Rehearsal

Trinity Baptist Church K.D. Turner Auditorium 2811 Fendall Ave Richmond, VA 23222

Upsilon Omega Chapter Office Interstate Center Conference Room

Dorey Park 2999 Darbytown Road Richmond, VA 23231

Upsilon Omega Chapter Office Interstate Center Conference Room

Henderson Middle School 4319 Old Brook Road Richmond, VA 23227

Henderson Middle School

Activity Schedule (Continued)

Day/ Time Activity Location

Monday, Nov 4 7-9 pm

Saturday, Nov 9 4- 7 pm

Monday, Nov 11 7- 9 pm (Veteran’s Day)

TBD

Monday, Nov 18

Monday, Nov 18 7- 9 pm

Monday, Nov 25 7- 9 pm

Monday, Dec 2 7- 9 pm

Sun, Dec 15 3- 5 pm

Monday, Dec 9 7- 9 pm

Monday, Dec 9

Monday, Dec 16 7- 9 pm

Saturday, Dec 21 10 am- 12 pm

Saturday, Dec 21 6:30 pm- 11:30 pm

Ball Rehearsal

Social Graces Workshop (Deb & Escort)

Ball Rehearsal

Worship Service (Escorts are invited)

Debutante Bio Form Due

FINAL #3 Ad and Patrons Submission Payable to: Zenobia’s Promise Foundation, Inc

Ball Rehearsal

Mother and Daughter Brunch

Ball Rehearsal

Final Ticket Sales Payable to: Zenobia’s Promise Foundation, Inc.

Ball Table Seating Form Due

Ball Rehearsal

Ball Dress Rehearsal

Debutante Ball

Henderson Middle School

TBD

Henderson Middle School

TBD

Debutante Bio Information Form

Henderson Middle School

Tarrant's West 11129 Three Chopt Road Richmond, VA 23233

Henderson Middle School

Table Seating Form [Email to: debutanteprojectuo@gmail.com]

Henderson Middle School

The Greater Richmond Convention Center 300 E. Main Street Richmond, VA 23219

The Greater Richmond Convention Center

Financial Obligations

PARTICIPATION FEE

Debutantes are required to pay a participation fee of $660.00. A non-refundable commitment fee of $220 is due no later than Saturday, June 22, 2024 in the form of a certified check, cashier’s check or money order. You may also request to be invoiced by PayPal for electronic payment.

The second installment of $220 is due no later than July 22, 2024, and the balance of $220 is due by August 22, 2024. Personal checks will not be accepted. Cash will not be accepted. The debutante’s first and last name should be included on all payments. The participation fee must be paid in full prior to the start of rehearsals. If the participation fee is not paid in full, the debutante will not be allowed to attend rehearsal.

June 22, 2024 - $220 Non-refundable Commitment Fee

July 20, 2024 - $220 Due

August 24, 2024 - $220 Due (no refunds after this date, max refund $440)

The participation fee includes:

● All costs associated with debutante and escort activities

● 4 tickets to the ball (debutante, escort, debutante’s mother and father)

● A link to a digital version of the souvenir journal

● One hard copy of the souvenir journal

TICKET SALES

Anyone attending the event must have a ticket. Tickets may be purchased with money orders, cashier’s checks or via the ZPF website. Cashier’s checks and money orders should be made payable to: Zenobia’s Promise Foundation, Inc. Personal checks will not be accepted. The ticket cost is estimated at $85.00 for guests. However, the exact price for the 2024 Debutante Ball will be determined once a final count of debutantes and estimated expenses have been determined. Tickets will be available for sale on Monday, November 11, 2024.

TABLE ASSIGNMENTS

Each debutante will have one primary table. Primary tables are assigned by the committee in the order in which they are paid in full. Partial tables/seats from one debutante may be combined with partial tables/seats from other debutantes to form a full table. Once the final number of debutantes has been confirmed, additional seating may be available based on space at the venue. If families of two or more debutantes wish to be seated in close proximity, please send a written request to debutanteprojectuo@gmail.com by Monday, December 9, 2024. Verbal requests or communications will not be accepted.

Each debutante will receive 4 complimentary seats to the Debutante Ball (one for the debutante, one for the escort, one for the debutante’s mother, and one for the debutante’s father).

Money for tickets sold is due by Monday, December 9, 2024, but may be submitted at any time once ticket sales begin. Once you have submitted payment for all tickets sold, please download, complete, and email the Ball Table Seating Form to debutanteprojectuo@gmail.com no later than Monday, December 9, 2024.

Debutante Scholarships and Book Awards

All debutantes are eligible to apply for a scholarship or book award during their senior year of high school. These awards are administered by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Upsilon Omega Chapter, in collaboration with Zenobia’s Promise Foundation, Inc.

Escorts are additionally encouraged to apply for a scholarship. The debutante or escort must complete the scholarship application in order to receive scholarship or book award consideration. Scholarship applications are typically available for completion in March or April of each year. All debutantes are notified by the Upsilon Omega Scholarship Committee once the application is available, and must submit the application in accordance with the specified guidelines. Debutantes should also forward the announcement to their escort.

Document Links

Intent to Participate Form

Debutante Bio Information Form

Sample Solicitation Letter

Escort Handbook

Table Seating Form

Debutante Souvenir Journal Style Guide

Contact Information

For general questions … Kimya Fitz, Debutante Committee Chairman

Email: debutanteprojectuo@gmail.com

For ad/patron uploads and cloud folder questions … Tiffany Owens, Debutante Committee Technology

Email: debutanteprojectuo@gmail.com

For check, money order, or online payment questions …

Oscarina Pollard and Calsine Pitt-Jones

Debutante Committee Finance

Email: debutanteprojectuo@gmail.com

To request a donor receipt …

Oscarina Pollard and Calsine Pitt-Jones

Debutante Committee Finance

Email: fundraising@zenobiaspromise.org

Mailing Address

Participation Fee Only:

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®

Upsilon Omega Chapter, Special Projects

P.O. Box 25306

Richmond, VA 23260

Things to Remember

Each debutante is required to raise a minimum of $1,000.00 in ads and patrons. Adherence to the final ad and patrons deadline is expected. If you have not collected the minimum requirement of $1,000.00 by November 18, 2024, you must personally pay the balance that is due.

We will collect funds raised for ads and patrons after November 18, 2024; however, they will not be showcased in the souvenir journal.

Each debutante will receive 4 complimentary tickets to the Debutante Ball (one for the debutante, one for the escort, one for the debutante’s mother, and one for the debutante’s father).

Cash will NOT be accepted for the participation fee, ads, patrons, or ticket sales.

The debutante’s full name should be included on the memo line of all checks, money orders or cashier’s checks.

The participation fee must be paid in full prior to the first ball rehearsal.

The first $220 installment of the participation fee is non-refundable.

Only the payor donor on the form of payment received by Zenobia’s Promise Foundation, Inc. is eligible for a receipt. Receipts are available upon request, and requests must be sent via email to fundraising@zenobiaspromise.org.

If a check is returned, all fees must be settled by the parents before ball tickets are provided.

The debutante project is a treasured memorable experience and will create a lifetime of memories for your debutante and family!