Bev’s Note

We are so proud to present “Hogs for the Cause” for our March cover! Their grants – numbering over 1,000 in all 50 states – are presented to the families of children being treated for brain cancer. This year they held a special event for Walker Beery who’s doing so much better! We are thrilled to present on our cover Co-Founders Becker Hall and Rene Louapre; Chairman of the Board Zandy Rainold; and Board Members Jennifer Bond and Benjamin Guider! This year “Hogs for the Cause” will be March 27-28 at the UNO Lakefront beginning at 3 p.m., with tickets starting at just $30. This is the nation’s largest BBQ and music festival for an amazing cause, which features over 90 teams from backyard chefs to regional BBQ masters. They will compete in categories including: Whole Hog, Ribs, Pork Butt/Shoulder, Porkpuorri, Sauce, Nueske’s Bacon Night, Blue Plate Side, Tabasco Sandwich, Booth, Best Friday Night Party, Piglet and Fundraising Champion.

This glorious two-day event will feature Bacon Night on Friday, and will be full of music, local beer, food – from Alabama white sauce to cracklin cochon de lait nachos – and fundraising. And, you’ll be dancing the whole time to an incredible lineup of local and national bands, including Old Crow Medicine Show (that we just saw in Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry!), Sweet Crude, YOLA, Robert Randolph and the Family featuring the Soul Rebels and Tad Niederauer, just to mention a few!

Visit HogsForTheCause.org for more information, more music and to purchase your ticket today!

Get ready for Raintree’s 11th annual “Paint the Town Green” gala on March 20, 7-10 p.m. at the Pavilion of the Two Sisters in City Park! You can enjoy complimentary cocktails and delicious cuisine from local restaurants like: Ruth’s Chris, GW Fins, Drago’s, Central City BBQ, Palace Cafe and more. You will also be treated to music from the Yat Pack and live and silent auctions. Visit bidpal.net/raintreenola for tickets and sponsorships. All proceeds will go to Raintree’s programs and services for foster children and youth and infants and toddlers experiencing developmental delays and disabilities.

“Tails But No Black Tie” is Saturday, March 14 at Equest Farm in City Park, and you don’t want to miss it! This is such a unique equestrian elegant evening with all profits donated to Equest Farms. The gates open at 4 p.m. and you’ll see show jumping, exotic car exhibitions, Ferraris and more, including a petting zoo, pony rides and food trucks. For $175 you’ll have ring-side seating and access to a pre-cocktail reception, dinner, an open bar, entertainment and betting opportunities. Visit TailsButNoBlackTie.org or call 504-9398 for tickets and information.

Now that Mardi Gras is over, we’re bringing you three fabulous debutante parties given for Lucy Currence and Charlotte Freeman; Rebecca French; and Sarah Lane, Peyton Lecorgne and Julia Saer. Their events were beautiful and we’re so happy to share them with you!

What’s Hot for Home Décor has items from tables to chandeliers, and our feature on the best home design trends will keep you up on the latest and greatest for the new decade.

Get ready for St. Patrick’s Day and then on to Easter – it’s time to start eating and drinking all of the items you gave up!

Beverly Reese Church

“Wilkapalooza  XXIII” was held on Saturday, February 8 at Tipitina’s with fabulous food, drinks, music and a gathering of old friends! Pictured are Sandy Villere, Dan Dilzell, Lilla Kearney, Todd Thompson, Lamar Villere and Peyton Bush. 

Wilkins Kearney, who was a founding member, tragically passed away on October 31, 2016, and his friends decided to celebrate his life and honor others affected by suicide by changing this gathering into a fundraiser. 

The beneficiary is NAMI: the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Donations can still be made to TheHumanFundNola.com, or contact Lamar Villere for more information by emailing lamar@villere.com.