Junior Achievement’s facility on Delgado’s Community College’s campus provided the backdrop to an enchanting evening honoring the Rising Stars. Guests were able to enjoy three different venues filled with entertainment. The live auction held in JA’s Training Facility was the source of enthusiastic bidding. In JA BizTown’s park-like setting, guests enjoyed strolling around as they dined and greeted fellow JA supporters. Finally, the tented courtyard and site of awards, music and a performance by the 610 Stompers, was lit as a gift from former Rising Star, Gary Solomon Jr., president of The Solomon Group.
Bryan Scofield served as Event Chair, Chad Berg as Restaurant Chair, Robby Moss as Sponsorship Chair and Suzi Swoop O’Brien as Auction Chair. 2014 Rising Star honorees included Kyle Brechtel, Founder of Brechtel Hospitality; Katy Casbarian, Co-Proprietor of Arnaud’s; Robert Fogarty, Founder of Dear World; Steve Gleason, Founder of Team Gleason and Brett Patron, Co-Founder of the 610 Stompers.
Twenty-seven local restaurants catered food and beverages. Republic donated adult beverages, and Crescent Crown Distributing donated a very popular craft beer bar. The band Louisiana Spice got everyone up and on their feet on the dance floor. Other entertainment included the 610 Stompers, a tarot card reader, a caricaturist and photo booth donated by Spoof Photos. The auction bidding was all done electronically from mobile devices and included a Prize Pull featuring more than 100 items and a special gift from Lee Michaels Jewelry, a seven-day cruise donated by Carnival, a three-night stay at The Cove at Eleuthera and a signed Steve Gleason Saints Jersey.
Junior Achievement netted over $72,000 for Junior Achievement programs, in part thanks to presenting sponsor, Peoples Health, as well as major sponsors Entercom, Ochsner Health and this magazine.
EVENT AT A GLANCE
What: “City Stars Soiree,” benefiting Junior Achievement
When: Friday, November 7
Where: Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans
