It was a sparkling night at a stellar home decorated for the holidays — that of Jennifer and Dennis Lauscha — when Eden Centers held its annual benefit, Ball Gowns & Blue Jeans.
Complementing the spectacular setting on Nov. 20 were guests who brought their attire A-game to the event, wearing all fashionable denim ensembles or mixing and matching it with taffeta, sequins and other festive adornments.
Adding to the flair were necklaces created by local artist, India Stewart, which also acted as recognition for purchasing items from the organization’s Registry Boards. There were four, each representing a different stage of recovery. Attendees purchased items that were specific to that recovery stage — for example, many people come to the organization without any documentation, so attendees could donate $120 in order to provide that for survivors in their first 90 days of recovery.
As guests mingled and gave with purpose, they were also treated to a performance from Michael Harold and Dr. Quinn Peeper — you know them as the entertainment gurus who wrote “Classical Shindig” — who brought another talent to the party: the duo performed on the piano to an appreciative crowd.
Food also took center stage including cuisine from Palette, as well as fresh crab claws, crawfish, oysters and shrimp courtesy the Louisiana Seafood Board; a drum dish provided by Fortune Fish and wagyu beef, donated by John Scialdone, smoked by Louis Freeman Jr.
Founded in 2011, Eden Centers offers comprehensive recovery services and housing to survivors of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation at no cost to its clients. Event co-chairs were Marilee Hovet and Helen Young.
Fun Fact: The fundraiser is held at a different benefactor’s home each year, with the belief that hosting at a real home serves as a heartfelt reminder of the healing power of community, hospitality and belonging. Next year’s gala is Nov. 19.
