History of Biennial Precious Pearls Cotillion

In 1975, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Alpha Delta Omega Chapter sponsored the first biennial Precious Pearls Cotillion to expand scholarship opportunities and provide the experiences high school students needed as they entered a changing social environment. The concept was introduced by Mrs. Lillian Dunn Thomas, and Mrs. Ethel Thomas proposed the name “Precious Pearls Cotillion.” Mrs. Lettie Galloway and Mrs. Gwendolyn Vincent served as co-chairmen of the event. Thirty-nine debutantes were presented at the first “Precious Pearls Cotilion.” As the Precious Pearls Cotillion grew and became the signature Alpha Delta Omega Chapter fundraising event, the recommendation to establish a Foundation was presented and nurtured by Mrs. Lettie Galloway and Mrs. Ivanetta Davis. The recommendation was approved and adopted

by the members. The Alpha Delta Omega Foundation, Incorporated, was established in 1984 and was incorporated on May 19, 1985. A Tax ID Number was granted to the Foundation by the Internal Revenue Service in September 1985. In 2011, the Foundation’s name was changed to The Ivy Center Foundation of Nashville, Incorporated.

Since 1975, more than one thousand young ladies have completed the Precious Pearls Program, gaining educational, cultural, social,

and leadership experiences that continue to shape their futures.