In what almost turned into a pre-game rally to the first New Orleans Saints game, two of the team’s players—running back Deuce McAllister and quarterback Drew Brees—hosted an evening of festivity and fund-raising for McAllister’s Catch-22 Foundation.
The 800 or so people showed up for “Cocktails for Katrina” at Generations Hall raised more than $60,000 for the foundation. The money will go towards installing a turf field and amenities at Pan American Stadium in City Park, an area that will be available to Orleans Parish high-school athletic teams. Proceeds also benefit the NFL Youth Education Town Complex.
Musician Dave Badie (the Court Jazzter) and his quartet performed as guests dined, sipped and danced. Delicious mixed cocktails featured Rain vodka and contributing restaurants and caterers included Pigeon’s, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Drago’s, Impastato’s, Dorignac’s and others. Football and basketball stars from around the country generously donated items, as did local artists, for the live and silent auctions.
Mark Heligman, Deuce McAllister and Howard Skull
Drew Brees, Fred Holley and Teddy Graziano
Terrence Melton
Deuce autographing a woman’s jersey
