The COTILLION SOCIETY OF CLEVELAND, a private social nonprofit organization, was inaugurated at a meeting of 28 charter members on 9 Feb. 1964 at the MAYFIELD COUNTRY CLUB. The first officers included Chas. W. Steadman, chairman; Wm. Feather, Jr., 1st vice-chairman; Henry J. Nave, 2nd vice-chairman; Keith S. Benson, secretary; and Robt. Berger, Jr., treasurer. The first annual meeting of the Cotillion was held 11 Oct. 1964 at the Mayfield Country Club, when 83 new families became members and the charter was established, stating the society's purposes: 1) "To establish, promote and operate a charitable foundation devoted to furthering the education of young people who otherwise would be unable to attend the college of their choice and 2) to provide wholesome supervised social activities for the young people whose parents are members in the Society." The first Cotillion Ball sponsored by the society was held on 3 Sept. 1964 at the COUNTRY CLUB, as 25 girls made their debut and established a tradition continued through the years. Each year a group from the Women's Committee reviews and ultimately selects the scholarship recipients, the funds coming from members' dues and sustaining fees. Over the past 30 years, the Cotillion Society of Cleveland has awarded scholarships worth over $275,000. In Nov. 1979 the Cotillion Society hosted the first Collegiate Dance to honor the sons of members in the organization.
Article Categories