It’s time for two of the best parties of the year – we’re proud to feature the Chase Zoo-To-Do and Kids Zoo-To-Do, presented by Humana, on our April cover. Both parties benefit the renovation of the Tropical Bird House and brand new aviary exhibits at Audubon Zoo! Thanks so much to Kate Werner, Zoo-To-Do chairman, Westy Ballard, Vice President of Superior Energy Solutions, Clifton LeBlanc, representative of Lexus of New Orleans, Frances Fayard, Kids Zoo-To-Do chairman and their fabulous feathered friends: Chopin, Zazous, Sarge and Chica. The food is always fabulous and the music this year includes Leah Chase, BRW, VaVaVoom, Morris Day and The Time and The Last Straws! Girls will get to dress up and men will wear black tie or white linen suits on Friday, May 2. It’s not too late to be a patron or sponsor, which will get you in early – 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the party start at $195 a person and the party begins at 8:30 p.m.
The Kids Zoo-To-Do presented by Humana will take place April 25, at the zoo and Frances Fayard promises fun for all ages. Sponsors, patrons and their children can begin the evening at 5:30 p.m., and will be entertained by Radio Disney, Uncle Chris and Papillon, as well as lots of activities. You don’t want to miss it!
Check out our calendar of events for all of the other fundraisers taking place in April and while you’re out shopping for your new outfits, be sure to consult our What’s Hot in Beauty. Our favorite experts will give you great tips and ideas. Once your skin is radiant, pamper it with a new summer look from Bora Bora, located at 2 St. Ann Drive in Mandeville. Owner Toni Celestin says that color is hot for the season with swimwear (skirted bottoms, takinis, banteaus and monokinis in particular) flying off the shelves. She also had a great idea: tunics for covering up your swimsuit can also be worn with jeans and a tank top – you’ve gotta love being able to take your poolside look out on the town!
One of my favorite men in the whole world, Tim Trapolin, is having a showing with five fantastic and well-known New Orleans artists at Uptown Gallery, located at 139 Broadway St., April 5-May 6th! Gavin Rush, executive director of the gallery, brings a fresh new attitude to the Uptown art scene with this multifaceted group show. Not only will you see Trapolin’s work, but also that of Mac Ball, Karen Edmunds, Carol Leake and Lisa Osborn – artistic sophistication is alive and well in the Uptown area. I’ll see you there!
I want to thank Brad Pitt for raising over $20 million to assist in the recovery of our city through the Make It Right Foundation. Our hardworking committee along with many of you raised $160,000 to build a home for a New Orleanian who will be able to live and work in an affordable and environmentally sustainable home. Our city is on the rebound and the world will see how strong and resilient our community really is. Thanks Brad and Angelina for shining a global light on our recovery!
In closing, we have a special gift for you in Tying the Knot. Our featured wedding this month is from 1944: the bride, Virginia Small McIlhenny, the groom, the late Edmund McIlhenny. My mom, Beverly Reese, was a great friend of Virginia – they were former presidents of the Junior League, members of the same Investment Club and wonderful friends. Thank you Virginia, for sharing your special day with us. We are honored!
