We are so proud as New Orleanians to have The National WWII Museum in our city; it represents everything that’s superior: our history, our spirit and the service of our people! We are proud to present on our cover the museum’s “American Spirit Awards.” Thanks to Silver Service Medallion Honorees John P. Laborde and David L. Oreck; Whitney Bank President Joseph S. Exnicios; and museum President and CEO Dr. Gordon H. “Nick” Mueller for gracing our cover! While events surrounding the “American Spirit Awards” presented by Whitney Bank take place June 8-10, the awards gala itself is Friday, June 9, 6-9:30 p.m. at the museum’s US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center. The event will celebrate the honorees pictured on our cover, as well as American Spirit Awards Honorees David McCullough and David Rubenstein, American Spirit Medallion Honorees and others. Famed NBC anchor and Greatest Generation author Tom Brokaw will serve as Master of Ceremonies, gala entertainment will be provided by The Midtown Men (four stars from the original cast of Broadway’s Jersey Boys) and our own award winning chef Tory McPhail will provide the cuisine.
The “American Spirit Awards Gala” celebrates individuals and organizations whose work reflects the values and spirit of those who served our country during World War II. They honor those who “inspire others through their own acts of courage, sacrifice, initiative and generosity – particularly in the areas of leadership, service to country, or community and education.” The proceeds from this year’s gala will support educational programming at the museum, including the ongoing development of classroom materials and professional development for teachers in schools across the country, as well as online experiences that bring the museum and its research resources to students around the world.
Be sure to get your tickets today by visiting AmericanSpiritAwards.org or by calling 528-1944, extension 334.
Our What’s Hot for Children’s Chic brings you great ideas for summer children’s outfits from bathing suits to bow ties.
You don’t want to miss our annual feature “Encore! The Past Social Season in Review” by Dana Hansel. In this feature she covers more than 50 fundraisers and the people who chair them. See who you know and make a list of which events you want to attend next year!
Le Petit Théâtre closes its historic centennial season with an ode to the theatre: Terrence McNally’s comedic Broadway hit, It’s Only a Play. Co-produced with The NOLA Project, some of New Orleans’ favorite performers star in this celebratory show including Ricky Graham, Leslie Castay and Sean Patterson.
I am dying for you to get Sara Essex Bradley’s new book Dog Décor: Canines Living Large! This book is a must for all of us who love our family dogs and who want to take a trip to the opulent manors, modern homes and rustic and traditional abodes that our family dogs live in! This quote from Valerie Hart says it all: “Whether a purebred, a mixed breed, a shelter dog, a dog rescued, these ancient companions have found their way to us, into our hearts and our houses.” Sara’s background as an interior design photographer makes it all come to life!
Have a great summer!
Beverly Reese Church
This November Prospect New Orleans will present their blockbuster citywide contemporary art festival with the theme “Prospect.4: The Lotus in Spite of the Swamp.” This theme is inspired by a quote by politically engagend saxophonist Archie Shepp, who described jazz as a triumph of the human spirit, a lily that grows “in spite of the swamp.”
Join Prospect New Orleans in celebrating artwork from 73 local, national and international artists in unique and culturally exceptional venues throughout the city.
Support Prospect.4 now by visiting ProspectNewOrleans.org.
