Umbrella Program: 65th Anniversary Leadership Institute and Cotillion Program

The Los Angeles (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated

Presents

The 65th Anniversary Leadership Institute and Cotillion Program

On the evening of Friday, November 24, 2017, The Los Angeles (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and its philanthropic arm, The Los Angeles Chapter Charitable Trust held the 65th Anniversary Cotillion at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA. Since the first Cotillion in 1951, Debutantes, also known as Cotillionettes, participate in a series of workshops, seminars, and community service activities that enable these young women to grow in grace and to be enriched with pragmatic and social skills for transition to higher education and to adult life. The 2017 65th Cotillion theme was “Girl on Fire.”

The 2017 Cotillion season began with a Mother/Daughter Tea chaired by Links Carolyn and Ramona Wilder, in a high tea setting at President, Link Carla Pittman’s lovely home, where debutantes, mothers and guests were introduced to the intricacies of the Cotillion program. The Los Angeles Links’ Leadership Institute, the cornerstone of the Cotillion program, established by the chapter as an enrichment program, launched with its annual retreat sleepover which began with a community service project, and continued with professionally moderated workshops on navigating social media, lifestyle choices, and focused heavily on awareness of the dangers of human trafficking. A calming yoga activity was later enjoyed by all. Other workshops included the financial literacy program held at Finance Park, a legislative presentation at City Hall, essay writing, etiquette, skincare, cultural awareness and various friendship activities. Additionally, each debutante was required to perform 75 hours of community service. During the summer of 2017, the debutantes collectively dedicated over 2000 volunteer service hours to various organizations and agencies throughout the greater Los Angeles Area. Providing continued service to the community is part of the long-standing legacy of the Los Angeles Chapter of The Links. Historically, local, non-profit agencies and programs that provide health, arts, education, and youth and elder services are selected by the Los Angeles Chapter Charitable Trust to receive financial support awards from the Cotillion revenue.

As Los Angeles Chapter of The Links, Incorporated celebrates 67 years of steadfast service to address critical needs and concerns of our local, national and global communities, Carla Pittman, Chapter President, expressed her appreciation to the village of families and friends, the heart and soul of Chapter fundraising efforts, for their continuing support of the young ladies, as well.