A Note from Bev

It is “Zoo-to-Do” time again, and we’re so excited to feature on our cover Whitney Zoo-To-Do chair Marilee Hovet, Kids Zoo-To-Do chair Deirdre Hooper, “King” of the zoo CEO Ron Forman, Clifton Leblanc, who provided the Lexus which will be auctioned off, and Joe Exnicios from Whitney Bank. Kids Zoo-To-Do presented by Humana is first on April 27, and Deidre tells us that the zoo will be transformed into a magical playland.

The Whitney Zoo-To-Do is Friday, May 4. The sponsor and patron party starts at 7 p.m. at the Jerome S. Glazer Audubon Tea Room. There will be a fabulous auction and the Lexus will be raffled off the night of the event, so get your raffle tickets now and have a chance to win this fabulous car! Black tie or white linen suit is the attire, and ladies get to wear their favorite cocktail dresses. All of the best restaurants will be there with their signature dishes. Chair Marilee Hovet said that the entertainment, which features headliner The Family Stone plus Liquid Pleasure, Anais St. John and the Kinfolk Brass Band on three stages, will keep you dancing all night long!

After reading our special section on how to stay young and spirited this spring with tips from local experts, turn to our spring fashion feature for your tips for a “Peek Season,” then to What’s Hot for ideas for accessorizing from scarves to shoes. After you look your best, check out our special section on lunch, brunch and happy hour deals.

Sterling Silvia just recently opened their second location at 4861 Magazine St. (309-5806, SterlingSilva.com). After being in the French Quarter for almost 25 years, the Asturias family felt it was time to expand. Silvia and Cristy Asturias design a lot of New Orleans-themed jewelry inspired by the rich history and culture that our city has to offer.

Crescent City Auction Gallery has moved to a great new location at 1330 St. Charles Ave. with 22,000 square feet of display space, storage and a photography studio. They recently had an auction featuring the private estate of Dr. James W. Nelson of Gonzales on March 24 and 25, but there will be another in May. The new facility features a great backdrop for Dr. Nelson’s collection, which includes a framed 19th-century American patchwork sampler quilt; an Italian parlor suite that includes a settee with two parlor chairs; artworks by James Michalopoulos; original works by Collette Pope Heldner; silver pieces including an 1849 Hyde & Goodrich cup; and a circa 1910 trophy centerpiece with ivory tusks holding a reticulated center bowl. They feature fine art, pottery, silver, jewelry, furniture, rugs, lighting and more. Call them at 529-5057 or email them at info@CrescentCityAuctionGallery.com.

My column this month features a neighborhood Easter parade and hunt, but this idea can be used for any holiday. If you don’t have golf carts, decorate wagons, bikes and scooters!

The “Night to Make It Right” gala was an incredible evening, and Brad Pitt, Ellen Degeneres and Drew Brees were all on board to raise over $5 million to complete the 150 houses in the Lower 9th Ward. It is amazing how many people from all over the United States still care about our incredible city. Thanks again Brad and Angelina!

April Events

11 “Prix d’Elegance Luncheon,” benefiting The Men and Women of Fashion; Ballet Resource and Volunteer Organization, 522-0996

13  “15th Anniversary Gala,” benefiting The Newcomb Art Gallery, 865-5328

13 “Tulane Council of Entrepreneurs Award Gala,” benefiting the Levy-Rosenblum Institute for Entrepreneurship, 862-8902

15 “April in Paris,” benefiting Higher Ground, 861-7788, ncjwgno@gmail.com

15 “Sunday at Emeril’s XVII,” benefiting the LSU Health Sciences Center Foundation, 568-6604, mmusac1@lushsc.edu

19 “The Big Beat,” benefiting the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra,  717-0281 or 444-3527

20 “Amazing Grapes Fine Wine and Entertaining Auction,” benefiting Hermann-Grima/Gallier Historic Houses, 525-5661

20 “Roast of the Town,” benefiting the Delgado Community College Foundation, 671-5412, ejones@dcc.edu

21 19th season “Preview Party,” benefiting The New Orleans Shakespeare Festival at Tulane University,” 314-7752

21 “Tour de Cure,” benefiting the American Diabetes Association, 889-0278 extension 6072

21 “Old Ursuline Convent Countdown Celebration,” 834-4104, madeleineblessey@mac.com

27 “Zoo-To-Do for Kids,” benefiting the Audubon Nature Institute, 861-6160

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