The evening of January 24 rolled out the red carpet for some of the city’s best and brightest at the historical and elegant Montgomery-Grace House on St. Charles Avenue. The patron party began promptly at half past six, while the gala affair began at eight; both events sold out completely.
Event chairs Ransdell and William Prieur, Margaret and Pierre B. Villere II and Thomas P. Westervelt, and honorary chairs Herschel Abbott and James J. Coleman Jr., welcomed attendants to the event with patron entertainment the Dark Water Jazz Band playing period music and hors d’oeuvres.
Benefitting New Orleans’ main PBS station, WYES-TV, and raising awareness of its quality programming, the evening featured a cigar lounge, an appearance by special guest from Britain – Retired Brigadier General Thomas Ogilvie-Graham, godfather of the owners of Highclere’s children – and a wide range of costumes inspired by the hit show.
With more than 400 guests, the Windsor Court Hotel provided a delicious menu and plenty of libations while Deacon John and the Ivories played period music.
*See related story on page 52
EVENT AT A GLANCE
What: “An Evening Inspired by Downton Abbey,” benefiting WYES-TV
When: January 24, 2014
Where: Montgomery-Grace House
