Attendants were anything but late to The Women’s Guild of the New Orleans Opera Association’s 28th annual “Mad Hatter’s Luncheon” benefiting The New Orleans Opera Association that took place at the New Orleans Hilton Riverside on Tuesday, March 27.
Chairwoman Mary Katherine Lonatro-Tusa, along with honorary chairwoman Betty Brooks-Doss, hosted the Alice in Wonderland-themed event. Andre de la Barre, Dr. Victor Chisesi, Louana DeMatteo and Penny Baumer dressed as The Hare, The Mad Hatter, The Queen of Hearts and Alice, respectively. For the first time in “Mad Hatter” history, Sarah Buckley, daughter of Diane Buckley, became a petite Alice replica.
The highlight of the event was the hat contest judged by local celebrities Gayle Benson, Margarita Bergen, Carolyn Elder, Rene Fransen, Angela Hill, George Schmidt and Jude Swenson. The luncheon featured a Saint John Collection fashion show compliments of Saks Fifth Avenue, a silent auction and a raffle with a chance to win two plane tickets to New York City, a three-night weekend stay at the Marriott Marquis, a $1,000 Saks shopping spree and a personal shopper.
The New Orleans Opera Association dedicates itself to preserving the city’s opera scene through support of opera productions and educational programs for New Orleans area children.
Event at a Glance
What: 28th annual “Mad Hatters Luncheon,” benefiting The New Orleans Opera Association
When: Tuesday, March 27
Where: New Orleans Hilton Riverside
