NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Cocktails for KID smART is celebrating 26 years of joyful learning with ‘The ABCs of Art’ on March 20 at The Cannery. The 22nd annual event, made possible by presenting sponsor Ochsner Health, supports the expansion of programming in KID smART’s Creative Schools and enables the organization to be a powerful force for arts education in New Orleans and beyond.
“We are delighted to celebrate 26 years of KID smART’s impact in the community,” said Elise Gallinot Goldman, executive director of KID smART. “The steadfast support from our guests and supporters has made this fundraiser a driving force behind expanding our programming and creating meaningful, lasting change for students and educators in the community.”
Chaired by KID smART board members Erin Hymel, Ragan Gankendorff and Nancy Rebold, Cocktails for KID smART kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with an exclusive patron hour featuring musical entertainment by the Preservation Hall Brass Band and the International School of Louisiana’s Circus Arts. The cocktail party takes place from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and includes a live auction showcasing the artwork of Teresa Cole, week-long stay at a villa in the south of France, and an Argentinian Asado experience hosted by renowned Chef Gabriel Nazar from Buenos Aires in addition to a silent auction and wine pull. Catering will be provided by The Cannery and entertainment by Magic Michael Dardant. Additionally, Pixie Dustwill be onsite with a Sparkle Station to help guests add a touch of sparkle in celebration. Guests will have the opportunity to take home limited-edition Champagne bottles designed by local artists.
“Ochsner Health’s mission to build healthier communities aligns perfectly with KID smART’s impactful work and we are honored to work together to improve educational opportunities for kids in our community,” said Emily Arata, system vice president of community affairs at Ochsner Health. “Through our partnership, KID smART is reaching more students within public schools with a suite of evidence-based arts programming, including growth into Jefferson Parish with the Dr. John Ochsner Discovery and Kenner Discovery Schools.”
Founded in 1999, KID smART provides public school students with greater access to arts-rich education. In its 26-year history, KID smART has served more than 63,000 students and 11,000 teachers in schools throughout New Orleans and beyond. With the belief that the power of the arts should be available to all children, KID smART works within public schools to reach underserved children with the most to gain from an arts-rich, social-emotional education.
Cocktails for KID smART is the primary vehicle through which the community at large supports the mission of KID smART. Tickets start at $125. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit kidsmart.org/cocktails-for-kid-smart.
