Burglars struck a downtown facility used for mentoring young girls, vandalizing the building while stealing a refrigerator and stove and dislodging the kitchen sink.

The damage and thefts were discovered Wednesday at the Rosa T. Beard Debutante House on Swanee Quintet Boulevard.

"They took everything except the kitchen sink, which they attempted to take," said Judy Lamback, the director of the organization, which was formed in 1963 as a social club for young women.

Ms. Lamback, club adviser Sandra Wimberly and founder Rosa T. Beard sifted through the damage Wednesday afternoon. All the electronic devices and appliances, including a refrigerator, stove and heating unit, were stolen. The air conditioner had been pried from the metal cage surrounding it, and the sink was left on the floor near the window -- ready to be picked up if the burglars returned.

Police said they were uncertain when the break-in took place, although it could have happened earlier Wednesday.

Ms. Wimberly, a former debutante, said it will be difficult telling the girls what happened to their clubhouse. The group typically used the facility for initiations and to prepare food-drive items and Toys for Tots giveaways.

"It's just deplorable that someone would take advantage of this house," Ms. Wimberly said. "We are going to move on because we are a positive group with positive attitude."

She said the group will hold its committee meetings elsewhere until the damages can be repaired.

Reach Adam Folk at (706) 823-3339 or adam.folk@augustachronicle.com.