Crimestoppers Carnivale

John “Spud” McConnell, Kriss Fairbairn Fortunato, Crimestoppers executive director Darlene Cusanza and John Fortunato

Steve Caraway and Melanie Talia

Patrick Dembrun and Joni Loria

Willy Morton, Pam Schafer, state Sen. Julie Quinn and Jefferson Parish Councilman John Young

John and Ann Casbon

Over 600 people attended the Crimestoppers Carnivale, held 7 p.m.-12 a.m., Nov. 10, at Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World (233 Newton St., Algiers). Revelers enjoyed the music of The Wise Guys and cuisine courtesy of local over 35 restaurants, including Pascal’s Manale, Drago’s, Mothers and Rainey’s.
   
The Carnivale also featured silent and live auctions, with items for bid including a ride for two in the Orpheus parade, a private party at Pat O’ Brien’s, courtside Hornet’s basketball tickets, and a behind-the-scenes tour of WDSU and brunch with Roop Raj.
   
Well-known community members John “Spud” McConnell of WWL Radio, Kriss Fairbairn of WDSU-TV, and Colonel Johnny Fortunato of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office stepped in to lend a hand as guest emcees for the auction.     
   
Chief and Mrs. Warren Riley, John Casbon, Kriss Fairbairn, Colonel Johnny Fortunato, acted as honorary chairs. Melanie Talia was event chair.  
   
The fundraiser also featured a patron party, held Nov. 7 from 7:00-9:00 p.m., at the McMoRan Exploration Co. (1615 Poydras St.), where the Crimestoppers organization honored esteemed community members Sheriff and Mrs. Harry Lee.
   
This event featured live and silent auctions. Patrons bid on items and trips including a two-week trip to Italy, diamond earrings, and sunset railroad party. Cuisine for the patron party was prepared by chefs Bob Winslow and Jimmy Lee Moran, and Bo Walker and Rob Couhig from 99.5 FM served as guest emcees.
   
All festivities benefited Crimestoppers, Inc., an organization which aims to prevent and solve crime by, among other measures, raising money to provide cash rewards to people who provide tips that help solve crimes.