Niki Walker

To support tomb restoration and educational programs, Save Our Cemeteries’ “All Saints Soirée” offered 200 guests a festive evening of historic tours, cuisine, artwork and music.

Due to the predicted weather forecast, the event moved from the grounds of Metairie Cemetery near Tom Benson’s tomb to inside the All Saints Mausoleum. Colorful flowers left by visitors brightened the space. Patrons also enjoyed a candlelit bus tour of the cemetery, featuring the Benson tomb, Josie Arlington’s former tomb and the weeping “Blue Angel” tomb amongst others. Jerry Schoen, a funeral director and Community Outreach Director at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home and Cemeteries, conducted the bus tour of the cemetery for patrons.

Food served included shrimp remoulade from Galatoire’s; charcuterie from Cochon; desserts from Susan Spicer’s Rosedale restaurant; NOLA Nica plantains and black beans and rice; Pastalaya from Crescent City Brewhouse; Caluda’s King Cakes; and beer from NOLA Brewing Co.

The Truffle Honeys performed at the Patron Party, and the Courtyard Kings for the Soirée.

A George Rodrigue Blue Dog print, a biscuit-making course for four at Ruby Slipper Café and cemetery-themed art by Dr. Bob and other local artists were donated for the auction.

Courtney Payton, Vice President of Save Our Cemeteries and an attorney at Aaron & Gianna PLC, served as Chair.

Event at a Glance

What: “All Saints Soirée,” benefiting Save Our Cemeteries
When: Friday, November 30, 2018
Where: All Saints Mausoleum

Michelle Duhon, Beverly Guillory Andry and Alex LM Ducros 

Tee Zimmermann, Sally Asher, Zeke Falcon and Dominique Ellis