Staff Report
Fathers were the focus as the 59th Annual Debutante Ball Season continued with its Father-Daughter luncheon held at the historic Ryde Hotel, located in the Sacramento River Delta.
The long history of the Ryde Hotel dates back to the late 1800’s and includes a tragic fire, a beautiful 1927 Art Deco rebuild, and a popular Prohibition Era basement speakeasy, making it an intriguing host location for many special events like the luncheon.
Attended by all of the 2025 Prospective Debutantes and their fathers, along with members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Eta Gamma Omega Chapter, the luncheon centered around the theme of ‘Empowering Our Families through Fathers.’ Ms. Wanda F. Williams, luncheon chairman, welcomed all attendees to the event, but particularly the fathers saying, “Your presence, your guidance, and your unwavering love have made all the difference — and today, we celebrate you!”
The luncheon, a treasured tradition of the Annual Debutante Ball season, would be nothing without the heartfelt tributes made by each young lady to her father, and this year was no different. Replete with sweet memories, lessons learned and fun stories, the collection of tributes sincerely celebrated the power of fatherhood and greatly honored the fathers of the 2025 class.
The prospective debutantes being presented this year are: Alicia Angelique Jackson, John F. Kennedy High School; Saniya Makai Jackson, West Park High School; Kelsey Alexandria Johnson, Inderkum High School; and Ava Olivia Levermore, Sacramento Country Day School.
The 59th Annual Debutante Ball, in collaboration with the EGEEO Foundation, will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Sacramento. Proceeds from the Ball support community organizations and scholarships for local students pursuing a college education.