Can you believe that “Sugarplum Ball,” one of the most prestigious fundraising events benefiting Children’s Hospital, is 38 years old and is as important as ever? Thanks so much to Co-Chairs Lisa Ballay and Karey Haslauer; John R. Nickens IV, President and CEO of Children’s Hospital; William Lemoine, Vice President of East Market: New Orleans and Healthcare at The Lemoine Company and Wills Hover, Senior Project Manager at The Lemoine Company for gracing our cover! Lisa and Karey have come up with the theme “Putting on the Glitz” and promise a night of fun featuring the band Karma, fabulous food and libations from some of our best restaurants, including Desi Vegas Steak House, Galatoire’s, Pascal Manale’s, Superior Restaurant Group and more. Save the date for March 23rd at the Sugar Mill, and be sure to get your tickets now by calling 504-896-9375! This year, they are raising money to create a Pediatric Simulation Training Center at Children’s Hospital!
I am not sure what it is about the new year, but we all want to spruce up our houses, so check out our feature “Renewal Resources,” where six local experts give advice on how to spring into action and update your home.
Also, our What’s Hot for Home Décor will help you with the best pieces to add to bring your home up to date!
Our favorite Debutante Snapshots will give you a glimpse into some of the best debutante parties that were held in the summer and fall, as well as over the holidays. This is a year they won’t forget, and one that their parents have worked so hard on to make sure they are presented at some of our most prestigious balls!
Mardi Gras is March 5th, and the Riverwalk will host Lundi Gras on the 4th at the newly renovated Spanish Plaza. This event is free and open to the public, and features live music from performers like Darcy Malone and the Tangle; Rockin’ Doopsie and The Zydego Twisters; Cowboy Mouth; and most importantly the arrival of Rex the King of Carnival and Zulu! The Mayor hands the keys of the City to Rex and the ceremony ends with fireworks over the Mississippi River!
Once Mardi Gras is over, get ready for The Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival March 27-31. The festival will return to the French Quarter for its 33rd annual celebration of contemporary literature, culture, theatre and the works of Tennessee Williams. The first day will have a diverse range of speakers and performers: Dorothy Allison, Jami Attenberg, Bryan Batt, Roy Blount, Jr. and more. This beloved festival is a don’t miss!
I will be a featured speaker in Mobile Alabama for the “Festival of Flowers” on March 23rd at 11a.m. and hope that some of you will make the trip! It is an amazing festival that benefits Providence Hospital Foundation. This year the festival is featuring the famous Dutch Gardens of Amsterdam complete with a canal featuring a working water wheel. There will be landscaped gardens, art in the garden, tables by design and featured lectures and demonstrations. Visit FestivalOfFlowers.com for tickets and information.
Be happy and Safe for Mardi Gras!
Beverly Reese Church
What a treat to feature “Harvest at Home” with Co-Chair Jennifer Heebe, Honorary Chairman Gayle Benson, Co-Chair Skylene Montgomery and Hostess Rupa Jolly. “Harvest at Home” is a two-part initiative, and is so needed by our most vulnerable families in our city and South Louisiana!
The Patron Party will be March 21st at Rupa and Tarun Jolly’s, featuring chefs Kristen Essig and Michael Stoltzfus of Coquette.
An “at home” component encourages support with delivery of a “Harvest at Home” gift bag and yard sign. Funds raised support Second Harvest’s programs, which offer hope to some of the most “in need” in the community and ensure that meals make it to the dinner tables of families struggling with hunger across South Louisiana! Call 729-2820 or visit No-Hunger.org/HarvestAtHome to donate and get involved today!
