Seven community members who have shown tremendous generosity and commitment to social justice and pro bono excellence were honored as “Good Apples” at Louisiana Appleseed’s fundraiser gala.
This year’s honorees included: Kathlyn Perez Bethune of Baker Donelson and Elizabeth Rutledge, formerly of Baker Donelson; Andrew Capitelli of Milling Benson Woodward, LLP and Emma Mekinda of Koeppel Clark Turner; Hon. Stanwood Duval of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana; Dr. Stephen Hales of Hales Pediatrics; and Charles L. Rice Jr. of Entergy New Orleans.
Louisiana Appleseed Executive Director Christy Kane and Board President Irving Warshauer spoke at the event. Christy Harowski and Jack Weiss served as Co-Chairs, and Jessie Haynes, Kerry Murphy and Sharonda Williams comprised the Gala Committee.
Boucherie provided catering, and JCB Creations created individually-wrapped apple cookies as a party favor. A student-compiled jazz trio from NOCCA performed music, as well as Helen Gillet. The bar was generously donated by Rebecca Maisel and the Republic National Distributing Company, as well as sparkling wine donated by Hopper’s Carte des Vines and the Fraiche family.
A rare wine raffle featuring a 2008 Chateau Lafite Rothschild valued at $800 for $50 a chance with only 20 chances was donated by board member Drew Ranier. The door prize featured a $150 gift card to Emeril’s Restaurant.
Funds raised help Louisiana Appleseed further the organization’s mission of increasing access to education, opportunity and social justice.
EVENT AT A GLANCE
What: “Good Apple Gala,” benefiting Louisiana Appleseed
When: Thursday, January 19
Where: Civic Theatre
