Presentation Ball 2009

For 51 Years a Chicago Catholic Tradition

On December 29, 1958, the Presentation Ball was born under the sponsorship of the Illinois Club for Catholic Women. Mrs. Frank J. Lewis served as Honorary Chairman, and Mrs. W. Lydon Wild and Mr. Maurice Frank as Co-Chairmen. Mrs. Thomas Webb Sexton and Mrs. Frank J. Hogan were an integral part of the Ball since its inception and for over two decades ~ the latter directing the Cotillion Figures until her death in 1984. The inspiration of Mrs. John Connery, the Ball received its name from her daughter, Nancy ~ “presentation” signifying the presentation of the young ladies to His Eminence, Albert Cardinal Meyer.

Since 1958, over 1,000 debutantes have received Ecumenical Medals from our Holy Father, the Pope. Our first Presentation Ball Medallion and Program Book were designed by Mr. James Dhein, and the Ball has been held exclusively at the Chicago Hilton and Towers. The Presentation Ball is the Club’s central fund-raiser, currently providing revenue for worthy Catholic charities focused on needy and abused women and children, among them Amate House, Catholic Charities, Deborah’s Place, House of the Good Shepherd, Maryville Academy, Saint Joseph’s Carondelet Child Center, St. Mary’s Home, St. Vincent DePaul Center and Aid for Women.

The Illinois Club for Catholic Women wishes to thank the hundreds of ladies and gentlemen who, over all these years, have contributed their time, energy, finances and love to the success of our Ball.

2009 Presentation Ball Events

2009 Prospective Tea was held on Sunday, January 11th, at The Fortnightly of Chicago. The venue of the day was an introduction to the year of philanthropic service and social events for the Illinois Club for Catholic Women prospective debutantes and their Mothers.
 
2009 "Get Acquainted Brunch" will be held in April for the 2009 Debutantes and their Parents. The event will be hosted by the Presentation Ball Committee and will provide detailed information pertaining to the Presentation Ball.