If there is one event at which you can not only buy Christmas gifts for the family, but also bring home a piece of art, it’s the NO/AIDS Task Force’s “Art Against AIDS.” Held Dec. 9 at the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans, the silent and live auctions featured art and other items from local and nationally renowned artists and merchants. Local school children got into the spirit and created their own art for the gala’s retail space. But what caught everyone a little off guard was the amount of guests who attended—around 1,200 packed into the hotel. This party was no doubt the highlight of the holiday season.
Besides the wide array of artwork, the evening also featured a performance by the musical group Heather and the Monkey Kings and food from more than a dozen of New Orleans’s most beloved restaurants. Abita beer and RAIN vodka were among the thirst quenchers of the night.
When everything was tallied, $110,000 was raised to benefit the vital services of the NO/AIDS Task Force, including case management, mental health services, early intervention services, HIV counseling and testing, and the Food for Friends program.
Heidi Nagele with Bryan Batt and Gayle Batt
Warren Backer, David Cortez, Shari Harrison and event chair Tony Leggio
Jo Ann Moinet and Kevin Wu
Rene Fransen, Torie Kranze and Rusty Turner
Mark Roth, Lisa Breland and Randy Trahan
David Dietrich and Dan Adams
