Our History

1950: The First Ball: Several women, including Aurora Patania, Audrey Baird, Peggy Steinfeld, Isabella Greenway and many others involved with the Tucson Festival Society gathered for an impromptu pot luck “thank you” party for all of the hard work done by the Society’s volunteers during the year. This gathering began at the home of Isabella Greenway, but was moved to the Arizona Inn after it began to rain. This thank you party became an annual event, held at the Arizona Inn and developed over time into the Ball we now organize.

The Ball was traditionally the last event of the social season and has always been well attended. Over the years Hostesses underwrote the Ball and tickets were sold. Originally, proceeds were turned back to the Tucson Festival Society and helped fund events such as Pioneer Days, La Parada de Los Ninos, the Children’s Writing Festival etc. Over the years, as costs have increased, both the amount of the dues and the price of the Ball tickets have increased. These increases have been primarily to cover the cost of the Ball and to ensure a modest donation to our beneficiary

1991: Guidelines for membership and membership selection are adopted

1993 April 5th: Due to organizational issues at the Tucson Festival Society, the Board of Hostesses voted to distinguish the Silver & Turquoise Board from the Tucson Festival Society by forming a separate non-profit organization. The membership of the Board of Hostesses also voted to give proceeds from the 1993 Ball to the restoration efforts at Mission San Xavier del Bac.

1994: Silver & Turquoise Board of Hostesses and the Silver & Turquoise Ball were incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

1995: The Board of Hostesses voted to accept the following: to continue supporting projects that celebrate the rich, cultural heritage of Tucson; to continue supporting the restoration of the San Xavier Mission until the project is completed; to have the General Arrangements Chairman for the up-coming year be announced at the wrap-up luncheon.

Mission Statement:

The Silver & Turquoise Board of Hostesses promotes, supports, and encourages the preservation of Tucson’s historical traditions and diverse cultural heritage.