Throughout the years, the Legion has had the pleasure to have many wonderful women make their debut.
The first White and Red Ball to benefit Polish relief was held on February 6th, 1940, and an historic dimension was added in 1945 by incorporating the Presentation of the Debutantes – the first “en masse” presentation ever held in the United States.
The iconic Presentation of Debutantes was added to the ball in 1945. To this day, being presented as a debutante at the Legion’s ball is considered a rite of passage for young Polish women in Chicago and beyond.
Since then, the White and Red Ball has become one of the major social events of Chicago’s Polish community. Aside from being an elegant event for the community, the White and Red Ball has remained the single largest fundraiser held by the Legion each year. If not for the money raised at this event, the Legion would be unable to continue in its philanthropic endeavors.
