Fashionable Folks

Some familiar faces took to the runway at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel on Thursday, May 8 for the Raintree Children and Family Services luncheon and celebrity fashion show. The event featured art, wine, gifts and celebrity models strutting the catwalk in fashions by Talbots, Jos. A. Bank and Lazy Bug.

Chaquita Johnson received applause for the inspirational talk she gave on foster mothering. Local celebs participating in the fashionable affair included Chef Andrea Apuzzo of Andrea’s restaurant; Lucy Bustamante of WWL; Councilwoman Jackie Clarkson; Chef Tenney Flynn of G.W. Fin’s; Capt. Terry Hardy of the New Orleans Fire Department; Margaret Orr and Norman Robinson of WDSU; Cole Louviere of LSU; and Liz Reyes of WGNO.

Special guests Senator Ken Hollins and wife Diane, Raintree’s Executive Director Laura Jensen, Board Chairman Eugene Priestley, with fellow board members, Master of Ceremonies David Clifford and his wife Sandra and Debbie Alciatore were all
on-hand for the occasion.

Kevin Armantrout of Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse donated beautiful table decorations in memory of Ruth Fertel, Raintree founder. Joan Ingram pulled double-duty,
serving as Fashion Show commentator and event co-chair, along with fellow co-chair Connie Kitchen.

The luncheon also featured a live auction, with prizes including a trip to San Antonio, with airfare, a hotel stay and dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, as well as a silent auction, sponsored by New South Parking, and a raffle. Top event sponsors included Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Lakelawn Metairie Funeral Home, New South Parking and Region’s Bank.

Roughly 300 guests attended the soiree, raising a total of $60,000 for Raintree, which has been working since 1926 to serve families and children through foster care, housing for abused and neglected young women, drug intervention in schools and help for children with disabilities. 
Fashionable Folks
Carolyn Landwerlin, Eugene Priestley and co-chair Connie Kitchen
Fashionable Folks
Jamie Moreau, Teresa Guzzetta, Annetherese Hirth and Kimberly Westbrook

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