More than 1,000 guests gathered in support of community education at the Pontchartrain Center for “An Evening with the Stars” on September 23. The 18th annual “Golden Tassel Gala” and patron party’s attendees were over the moon to unite for the Jefferson Dollars for Scholars event, which commemorates its generous patrons and showcases both present and future stars of the community.
Handmade centerpieces created by Jefferson Parish students and principals adorned tables where guests not only sat among glimmering star accents peppered throughout the venue, they were graced by the presence of the dazzling Suberbowl XLIV Lombardi Trophy and ring. The Bucktown All-Stars performed lively beats ranging from 1960s classics to Top 40, and over 50 restaurants, including Acme’s Oyster House, Broussard’s and Copeland’s, provided cuisine.
Among the spirited guests were the evening’s honorees and founders of Jefferson Dollars for Scholars, Kim and Mike Sport. Tom Capella and Henry Shane led an auction of items ranging from autographed Saints memorabilia to weekend escapes in lavish hotels and gleaming jewelry.
Co-chaired this year by Cindy Enright and Barbara Turner Windhorst, the gala is the biggest fundraiser for Jefferson Dollars for Scholars, and proceeds benefit all of the organization’s programs. Throughout the years, the gala has allowed Dollars for Scholars to award $11 million in scholarships to over 4,500 students in Jefferson Parish public schools.
