Every time I look at the Mississippi River Bridge with the incredible lights, I think of the Young Leadership Council and all that they’ve done to keep young people interested in staying in New Orleans and contributing to our overall well being! This month’s cover features the YLC’s “Role Model Awards Gala,” which will be held on Aug. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Thanks so much to our cover models: gala chair Serina Phoenix, YLC board president Richard Pavlick and YLC executive director Curry Smith. This year the YLC is honoring 25 New Orleanians who are role models to young professionals. You don’t want to miss this event! Please call 585-1500, extension 201 for more information and tickets.
In 1986, a group of businesspeople, including Charlie Leche, John Landrum and Chris Johnsen, along with 18 others, founded the YLC. Through volunteer-created community projects, the YLC recruits and retains young professionals to New Orleans and has a positive impact on the quality of life in the region. They have raised over $25 million to support community projects, and each community initiative is led by one or more volunteer project leaders!
All of us who are staying in New Orleans for the summer should get to treat ourselves to something new to update our style, so check out “What’s Hot for Summer Style,” where you can find great ideas from new shoes to a cabinet for a room that needs a little pizzazz.
Speaking of treating ourselves, be sure to look at our feature on pampering, which includes tips and treats from local spas sure to whet your whistle for a little “you time.”
If you thought that we had given you enough ideas – oh no! We also have a special section on kitchens, bathrooms and closets and another on local galleries to keep you busy and comfortable during our long summer.
For all of you who are taking a hiatus from the heat, my column will give you lots of ideas for a dinner party in the mountains. Every year there’s a group of girls who go to Highlands, N.C., for a few days. Each is responsible for creating a dinner for one night. This is an eclectic idea that anyone can duplicate!
There is a new restaurant in town co-owned by one of my “almost children,” Thomas Peters. Our son, Ford Church, and Peters have been lifelong friends. His new restaurant, Basin Seafood & Spirits, features fabulous seafood dishes created by his partner and chef, Edgar Caro. They have crawfish bisque with stuffed heads that are magnificent, charbroiled oysters, tuna tartare … Oh, and the bartenders have made up drinks that are unique and “to die for!” The address is 3222 Magazine St., right across from Walgreens. Just a note: Thomas Peters is also a member of the 610 Stompers who do all of that dancing for so many great causes – all the more reason to support their new restaurant!
Whatever you’re doing this summer, have a safe and fun time and enjoy time with your family and friends – before you know it school will be starting and the routine will be back, so savor every moment!
JULY
17-21 11th annual “Tales of the Cocktail,” 948-0511
19 ”Wear White for Peace and Unity,” benefiting the Colombian Volunteers of New Orleans, 881-7645, colombiavnola@gmail.com
21 & 22 “The Attic Sale,” benefiting Temple Sinai Sisterhood, 432-5322
AUGUST
1-4 “New Orleans Antiques Forum,” benefiting The Historic New Orleans Collection Williams Research Center, 523-4662
3 “Whitney White Linen Night,” benefiting the Contemporary Arts Center, 528-3800
5 Ninth annual “East St. Tammany Red Beans ‘N Rice Cook-Off,” benefiting the United Way of Southeast Louisiana, (985) 778-0815 or email jamieb@unitedwaysela.org
10 “YLC Role Models Awards Gala,” benefiting the Young Leadership Council, 585-1500 extension 201
24 “101 Donations,” benefiting NOLA City Bark, 438-9377
27 & 28 “The Jimmy Fundraiser @ 45,” benefiting 45 Tchoup Loves Jimmy, 891-9066