The New Orleans Botanical Garden transported patrons of the 2021 “Heart of the Park Hat Luncheon” to the Amalfi Coast for an Italian-inspired garden party. The fête, this year presented by IBERIABANK/First Horizon, benefits the partnership between Friends of City Park and the New Orleans Town Gardeners.
Guests were greeted by Harry Hardin’s New Orleans Classical & Jazz Trio and a lemon tree lined entrance provided by Perino’s Home & Garden Center. The “Garden To-Go” experience featured a photo opportunity in front of the Botanical Garden Conservatory, where guests were served chilled rosé from a picturesque garden cart. As patrons moved through the experience, they viewed the silent auction items and artwork on display and enjoyed a specialty olive oil tasting by Verdure Olive Oil Co.
Individually packaged meals were served from the Pavilion of the Two Sisters, including a key lime tart dessert by Maurice’s French Pastries and libations from Republic National Distributing Company. Guests had the option to take their meal to-go or proceed to the Zemurray Azalea and Camellia Garden to enjoy safe socializing around the fountain. Each table featured floral arrangements by Doris Ione. Donning garden-inspired gowns and festive hats, the Virtuosa Quartet captured attendees’ attention, adding to the ambiance and providing musical entertainment in the garden.
Participants could also join the festivities virtually by participating in the Online Silent Auction. The featured auction artist and item was Shelley Hesse’s “Roseate Spoonbill (Juvenile),” watercolor and gouache on paper framed in a hand-gilded gold leaf and cream frame.
Sponsor Gift Baskets from The Lilley Line featured a bottle of wine, lemon tea towels with the “Heart of the Park” logo by Home Malone, a four-piece box of bonbons by Piety and Desire Chocolate, lemon-infused olive oil from Verdure Olive Oil Co. and a bucket hat featuring the logo by NOLA Party Pieces.
The 2020-2021 Chairwomen were Linda Miller, Barbara Rosenberg and Sheila Sanderford. The Patron Chairs were Helen Butcher and Betsy Nalty.
Event At A Glance
What: “Heart of the Park Hat Luncheon,” presented by IBERIABANK/First Horizon benefiting Friends of City Park & The New Orleans Town Gardeners
When: Wednesday, April 21
Where: New Orleans Botanical Garden in City Park
Look for “Philanthropic Events” on StCharlesAvenue.com to see more from this event
Follow Friends of City Park on Instagram and Facebook @FriendsOfCityPark and on Twitter @FriendsCityPark
Visit New Orleans Town Gardeners at NOTGClub.org
Patron Co-Chair Helen Butcher and Barbara Bush
Cara Lambright, Ashley Bright and Shon Cowan Baker
Cleland and Claudia Powell
Megan Eustis, Liz Parry, Kristie Yancey and Alli Morrison
Susan Gomila and Caroline Milling
Christopher and Ella Baldwin, Edgar Bright attended the 2021 “Heart of the Park Hat Luncheon” presented by IBERIABANK/First Horizon
Donning garden-inspired gowns and festive hats, the Virtuosa Quartet added to the ambiance and provided musical entertainment in the garden
The Virtuosa Quartet entertained guests as they moved through the experience, viewing the silent auction items and artwork on display.
The “Garden To-Go” experience featured a photo opportunity in front of the Botanical Garden Conservatory, where guests were served chilled rosé from a picturesque garden cart.
