A Sheltering Arms and Richmond Tradition
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| The young women of the Bal-Du-Bois |
Since 1925, the Junior Board of Sheltering Arms has been helping to raise money for patients in financial need. After hosting many food and fund drives in the early years, they determined a new fundraising course was needed.
The Junior Board held their first debutante ball on Monday, June 17, 1957 and in the end, the $15 ticket raised $8500 for the hospital. Inspired by the wooded surroundings of the Country Club of Virginia, they settled on the name Bal du Bois - “Woodland Ball" - and a tradition was begun.
Monumental years in the history of the Bal du Bois:
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| The elegant Bal-Du-Bois at night
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- 1961 - The pastel tea-length dresses of the preceding years were replaced with more formal attire, as the 18 year-old girls donned white gowns and opera-length gloves.
- 1973 - The term “Sponsors” was initiated to emphasize the debutantes’ roles as ambassadors of the hospital.
- 1987 - The first Friday of June was established as the permanent night for the Bal du Bois moving forward.
- 2000 - Proceeds to the hospital were reaching $100,000 annually.
Since the inception of the Bal du Bois, the Junior Board has contributed more than $2 million to Sheltering Arms to help serve Richmond patients. These funds have helped pay for medical care and provide financial assistance for patients who have suffered setbacks from illness and injury. Ultimately, these funds have helped people regain their lives.
Bal-du-Bois Photos Provided by:
Mike Patterson
Your Best Shot Photography
804-347-8547