Impressions!
True blue!
“The students of St. Michael Special School cordially invite you to attend the 46th Annual Blue Rose Ball,” headed an attractive recent invitation. The party took place several weeks ago and took place in the Hyatt Regency’s Celestin Ballroom to glorious effect under the chairmanship of Maria Spera and Stephanie Salvaggio. Next to them were their spouses, Keith Spera and Eric Revels. The Speras are parents of Samwho attends St. Michael’s Elementary School.
Luminous Events, among those credited for the bright look, provided candles, lounge furniture and bar fronts, while balloons, linens and steps and repeats added to the decor. Mardi Gras Productions cleverly used curtain and lighting accents, and Destination Pinson by Doris Ione Boutique Floral and Lifestyle Studio filled student-created vases with cream and blue flowers.
A couple of trios, Electric Yat and Sasha MasakowskiThe first rounds of music began, respectively for the cocktail and the subsequent seated dinner. Big Sam’s Funky Nation capped the prank with a dance. The rhythm beckoned me.
Marcos Romig made his mark once again as master of ceremonies to open the program. Other notable figures were the archbishop Gregory Aymond for the invocation, director of the school Dr. Elizabeth Cerise “Cissy” LaForge for comments; and recognition of the presiding force and the host committee, whose ranks were Lori Babin, Shon Baker, Sarah Block, Susan Block, Cindy Bowman, Bethany Brinkman, Helene Cerise, Nancy Colomb, Ashley Cusimano, Lyndi Dobbs, Ann Heslin, Lisa Fenasci LaFrance, Courtney Nalty, Erin Olwell, Darbi Philibert, Julie Ryan, Erin Shea Stahnke, Anne Bailey Theard, Julie Vanderbrook and Cindy Wooderson.
The auction action attracted attention. All the while, guests made a beeline for the silent auction tables and 97 attractive packages, which included one for a Saints game purchased by Luisa and Steven Higgins, and another for a private party for 10 at Gris Gris, which was donated by the chef with the apt last name Eric Cook. adriana smith He smiled like the highest bidder.
The lively live portion, led by Mark and Keith, showcased five super buys, among which was a dining experience to be held at the home of the St. Michael’s Advisory Board president. Gregg and Shari Barrios and presenting Jason Gonzalez (Gonzo’s Smokehouse & BBQ, in Luling), NOLA Wine Merchant (Geoff and Ann Worden) and Super Witch Ice Cream Company (Briggs Barrios). The buyer will enjoy this culinary cornucopia. Brian Kishpresident of the Emeril Lagasse Foundation.
Thanks to the Paddle Raise, Wine Pull and two giveaways – Taylor Swift Concert (won by Jennifer Noveh and Peggy Villemaretteeach with two suite tickets), and Saints vs. Las Vegas Raiders Gameday Experience (winner to be drawn December 12): School coffers got a nice bo$t.
What fueled all this excitement was the excellent cuisine at the Hyatt Regency. A traditional tomato and burrata salad, a main course of red wine braised short ribs and a lemon tart satisfied the countless diners.
Along with the Hyatt and the Solomon family, three foundations were major sponsors: J. Edgar Monroe (represented by Kevin and Nancy Colomb), EJ and Marjory B. Ourso (Lori Babin, former dance president and school parent), and Michael and Victoria Rohm. Co-presenters of the ball were the Ray & Jessica Brandt Family Foundation and the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust with its vice president. Lisa Romano present.
Other heads were the Executive Director and Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Dr. Rae Nell Houston and spouse LionGregg and Shari Barrios, St. Michael Ladies’ Guild President Anne Bailey Theard and Kevin, James Stahnke with Erin, Carlos Cerise and judge Janis van MeerveldTulane baseball coach Jay Uhlman and Emily, Joe and Debbie Exnicios, and school parents Kevin Block and Sara, and Howard and Miriam Guidry. Many others, at least 600, supported “Blue’s” generosity, showing their support for the 230 students at St. Michael School. The mission is “to provide a Catholic environment where students with intellectual and developmental disabilities can grow in faith and reach their full potential.” A photo essay by Jennifer Zdon by Twirl Photography highlighted the students, as did a video produced by Fire on the Bayou narrated by Mark Romig that included testimonials from students, parents and teachers.
Praise for the success of the evening was abundant with particular praise for Mary Spera from a school administrator, who described Spera as “a pleasure and a joy to work with” and how fortunate St. Michael’s is “to have her on our team.” .”
The final fusion of fun and philanthropy arrived at a determined pace. Big Sam’s Funky Nation didn’t want any chairs occupied and produced sounds that enticed the group to dance the night away to “Blue Rose.”
Reading meal
A unique fundraiser, A Blind Taste, has been featured for years by WRBH radio at La Petite Grocery, led by chef justin devillier. Master of ceremonies of the event and president of the board of directors of WRBH Carlos Smith (with spouse Emily Mase) explained that “ABT is an event that aims to raise awareness about what it is like to live without sight.” The station offers readers, volunteers, for the listening audience. Smith added that it was also “an evening of great joy for all who attended.”
The host Magazine Street restaurant not only provided the excellent food, but also the sunset-colored white and pink hydrangea blooms. At each seat, there was a royal blue apron, a wine opening kit donated by Humana, and masks to wear during dinner to empathize with those who cannot see. Hence the title of the event: A Blind Taste.
Hors d’oeuvres, wine pairings from Nola Wine Merchant and a four-course meal, including beef carpaccio, gnocchi, red snapper and brown butter cake, were the delights of the table. Between courses, emcee Smith auctioned off four prized packages donated by WWOZ, Humana, Casa Pelican, and Sommcru (a wine tasting hosted by Kaye and Jerry Smith). Drs. and spouses Lena Al-Dujaili and Ahmed Mohiuddin, Both WRBH board members made the highest bid for the last item.
They were counted as guests at the dinner along with Rick born from Humana, lindsey wands by Hancock Whitney, Jenny Meyer from East Jefferson Hospital and her husband Todd Thompson, Geoff Worden, Drs. and spouses Zeena Al-Dujaili and Ravi TandonDr. Roland Waguespack, Dr. Puneet Singha, Catherine Burns Tremaine and grandson Burton Tyler Tremaine, Ray Blalock, Carl Arredondo and fiancee Isis Casanova, and Executive Director of WRBH Natalia and Guy González.
New voices
One hundred singers, families and supporters gathered in the gold ballroom of the Houghtaling Mansion on St. Charles Avenue to celebrate the launch of the 2024-2025 season of New Voices New Orleans: ROUTES. The stars were 14 young NVNO singers at KIPP Central Primary. Their brief performance included selections from a previous season, including “Basin Street Blues,” adapted by Allyssa Jones.
Treats came from Rouses (including mini muffalettas), The Wine Seller (for adults), and, for everyone, Loretta’s Authentic Pralines.
Among those issuing praise, many with major titles, were local hosts/NVNO board members. Yulia Houghtaling and husband Johnfounder and director of NVNO Trey Pratt and Golan MoskowitzDoctorate., Bryan Batt and Tom Cianfichi, Randy Roig and Brian Weimer, Patrick Schoen and Christopher Costello, Nick Shackleford and Augustin Correro, Vincent Ilustre, Gary Robichaux, Michael Shlenker and Don SchwennDr. Marc Behar and Jeff Sbisa, Dodd and Alix Loomis, Ann Loomis, Ilana Horwitz, PhD., Trey Fontana and Claudette Brassfield. The voices were the vibe!
‘ www.nola.com ‘
Add Comment