March of Dimes honored 28 outstanding young professionals who have made profound contributions to the New Orleans community with its 28th annual “Spotlight on Success” gala, hosted at Generations Hall on Friday, June 13. The open-to-the-public event helped the organization raise awareness and fund research, education, vaccines and scientific breakthroughs to improve the health of babies everywhere.
Honorees in the spotlight this year were: Candace Bienvenu, Cassie Bienvenu, Rebekah Broussard, Abby Cantrell, Gassan Chaiban, Dr. Lin Dang, Matthew Erskin, Catherine Gauthier, Sarah Gretchen, Brian Harris, Robin Johnson, Dr. Heather Kahn, Libby Kemp, Eve Lindstedt, Megan McKown, Eric Melancon, Jennifer Mire, Jourdana Passaro, Ernesto Posadas, Cassie Preston, Aaron Ramsey, Wendy Riley, Nicole Rios, Marie Rougelot, Hannah Salter, Amanda Vonderhaar, Melissa Young and Ben Zamora.
The gala featured cuisine from 14 popular local restaurants, an open bar and live music by the soulful Bucktown All-Stars. A silent auction was held where patrons bid on honoree-designated auction packages, including vacations, jewelry, artwork, dining certificates, sporting event tickets and more. The emcee for the evening was Camille Whitworth of WDSU-TV Channel 6.
The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is “to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. More than half a million babies are born too soon each year. In Louisiana, over 193 of these babies are born each week, and in New Orleans one in seven births are premature.” All funds raised from the gala support the March of Dimes programs in research, education and pre-natal care.
EVENT AT A GLANCE
What: “Spotlight on Success,” benefitting March of Dimes
When: Friday, June 13
Where: Generations Hall
