With autumn and back-to-school time upon us, the 20th annual Azucar Ball, “Carnaval de las Americas,” took place Saturday, September 11, in the LaSalle Ballroom at the InterContinental New Orleans. The event raises funds for the New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation Scholarship Fund, giving assistance to outstanding Hispanic students to attend public, private and parochial high schools in the city.
The fabulous event was chaired by Dr. Blanca Rosa Maldonado and Ingrid Rodriguez-Fierro. Festivities began with the patron party sponsored by Baru Bistro & Tapas, with bites served up by Chef Edgar Caro. The ball began at 8 p.m., and lasted until 1 a.m., thanks to lively dancing to the sounds of Julio Y Cesar and Rumba Buena. Special guest “Casa Samba” led a masked parade as one of favorite moments of the evening, along with the Galvez Cup Award presented to José and Ileana Suquet and the silent action. “Creative Food” was enjoyed from a host of restaurants including: Arnaud’s, Cochon, La Boca, Luke, Rambla and Tango Argentinean Grill.
This year’s black-tie fiesta was an explosion of Latin fun and success – the following entities were thanked for their sponsorship of the worthy cause: Jones Walker, Cardiology Center, Whitney Bank, Ochsner Heath System, Pan American Life Insurance Group, Republic National Distributing Company, Fowler Rodriguez Valdes-Fauli, MFR Accountants & Consultants and Regions Bank.
