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Co-chairs Betsy and Gary Laborde, Caroline and Andre Robert and the rest of the gala committee put on an extravagant affair for more than 650 people on May 22 at New Orleans Center for Creative Arts’ annual “Art & Soul Gala.” With The Lupin Foundation as the title sponsor, guests enjoyed an evening of enchanting music, delicious food and plenty of mingling.
The night began with an exclusive patron party sponsored by The Arlene and Joseph Meraux Charitable Foundation.
Guests received early access to the silent auction as well as champagne and passed hors d’oeuvres prepared by chefs Dana D’Anzi Tuohy and Frank Brigtsen as well as NOCCA’s students of culinary arts. NOCCA’s jazz and musical theater students provided the entertainment.
The gala began at 7 p.m. with food provided by New Orleans Hilton Riverside and an open bar sponsored by the Goldring Family Foundation. Guests enjoyed hours of entertainment from professional and student groups including the NOCCA Alumni All-Stars, the Joe Ashlar Trio, Sasha Masakowski & Musical Playground and the Faubourg Quartet. Throughout the night, guests also bid on lavish items during a silent auction including artwork, vacation packages, home furnishings and contributions from some of the city’s favorite restaurants. The “Art & Soul Gala” helps provide operating support for the NOCCA Institute, Louisiana’s arts conservatory for high school students.
