If there is ever a wondrous place to have a themed party, it’s Mardi Gras World, which was the site the 41st annual Sugarplum Ball presented by LEMOINE.
The River City Ballroom and the Plaza overlooking the Mississippi River, while not the sea, provided an aquatic inspiration to the “Somewhere Beyond the Sea” theme for this Children’s Hospital New Orleans benefit on March 18.
Food from area restaurants, a silent auction and musical entertainment by KARMA and Nola Dukes Band were part of the fun, as were the two raffles: a raffle pull of 100 items valued at $50 or higher and a luxury car raffle featuring a 2023 Infiniti Q50, donated by the Ray and Jessica Brandt Family Foundation. After her winning ticket was announced, Mary Ann Kennedy was brought onstage and was celebrated with confetti cannons that covered the entire dance floor.
“The Sugarplum Ball is one of New Orleans’ most celebrated philanthropic events. The continued generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations has made a lasting impact for our hospital and the patients and families we serve,” said Lucio A. Fragoso, president and CEO of the hospital.
The event raised $1.2 million to help the hospital continue to provide expert pediatric care for all children.
Event co-chairs were Jeanne de Laureal and Elizabeth Wooten.
Fun Fact
The event started in 1981 with the theme as the Sugarplum Tree, honoring the hospital’s founding board of trustees. The name Sugarplum name has carried on since then.
Sam Randazzo, Jeanne de Laureal, Jessica Brandt, Elizabeth Wooten
Sonny Lee, Alden McDonald
Lauren Hover, Wills Hover
Lou Fragoso, Jill Fragoso, Sarah Feirn, Greg Feirn
Wes Palmisano, Annie Palmisano, Will Lemoine, Candace Lemoine, Marlo McDonnel, Allan McDonnel
