Young women presented as 2007 debutantes

PHILANTHROPISTS- The 2007 debutantes of the San Fernando Valley Chapter, National Charity League are, from left: Elena Kimberly Finch, Agoura Hills; Madison Diane Bates, Woodland Hills; Ashlee Camille Cassidy, Hidden Hills; Kelly Elizabeth Adelman, Calabasas; Camille Balsamo-Gillis, Hidden Hills; Heather Anne Heukrodt, Calabasas; Bree Alexis Jacoby, West Hills; Marissa Katarina Srour, Beverly Hills; Kimberly Ann Moore, Bell Canyon; Mallory Nicole Poms, Calabasas; Kathleen Rose O'Connell, West Hills, and Emily Claire Petrie, Hidden Hills. The ball directors, center, are Barbara Sulier, left, and Terry Arnold. Photo courtesy of Tom Wilmshurst Photography

Twelve young women were honored as debutantes at the 43rd annual San Fernando Valley Chapter, National Charity League Ball on Nov. 24 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

Unlike more traditional debutante balls where the girls presented may not know each other prior to the event, these girls have formed lasting bonds through their completion of a six-year program of leadership development, cultural awareness and philanthropy.

They collectively have performed thousands of hours of hands-on service at many local charities: Ability First, American Cancer Society Discovery Shops, Guide Dogs of America, the Motion Picture and Television Hospital, ONEgeneration, Tri-Valley Special Olympics, and the West Valley Food Pantry.

In addition, they have participated in monthly meetings and a structured educational program covering everything from peer pressure to event planning.

The ball is both a tribute to their accomplishments and a fundraiser that enables the chapter to provide financial grants to the charities it supports.

National Charity League, Inc. is a nationwide, motherdaughter, allvolunteer, nonprofit service organization founded in Los Angeles in 1925. Its mission is "To foster the motherdaughter relationship in a philanthropic organization committed to community service, leadership development and cultural experiences."

There are more than 33,000 members in 16 states with additional chapters being added.

The Ticktocker program is available to girls in grades seven to 12 who meet in grade level groups at least eight times a year. These meetings are run by the girls themselves with the assistance of an adult grade level advisor.

Each year, every girl is given a responsibility within her grade level, affording everyone the opportunity to develop organizational and leadership skills.

A Ticktocker Council acts as a policysetting body and liaison to chapter's board of directors.

The Ticktocker program teaches young women skills they will need in the business and social world, plus the importance of commitment to family, friends and the community.

The San Fernando Valley Chapter was incorporated as the Valley Charity League in 1948 and became a part of National Charity League in 1955.

It has approximately 300 participants who reside throughout the San Fernando Valley area.

Over the years, nearly $2 million has been raised by the balls for the benefit of the charities listed above.

Although the girls are called "debutantes" and are "presented," the event is not a declaration of social standing. Rather it is the chapter's way of enabling these accomplished college freshmen to return home and be honored by their family and friends.