NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Back by popular demand, the Historic BK House & Gardens is again hosting a festive evening affair that brings together French Quarter neighbors, donors and community supporters who are committed to maintaining this significant cultural treasure.
The second annual Soirée in the Vieux Carré will take place from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 9, throughout the historic property at 1113 Chartres St. The evening will feature the Nayo Jones Experience in the Courtyard and John Rankin in the Parterre Garden, as well as a cocktails and a delicious Sunday supper by Palate New Orleans in the beautiful interior of the house.
This year’s event, which happens after the Saints game, will raise funds to support the restoration of the courtyard-facing façade. The 2021 Soiree enabled the nonprofit organization to begin the ongoing restoration of the Ursulines or Garden-facing façade, progress for which can be viewed by the general public and passers-by. Work includes restoration to the original 1826 windows and fabrication of period appropriate paneled shutters, as well as masonry and stucco repairs to match the Chartres Street façade. The laborious process started in July of this year and plans are to reveal the final product as well as repairs to the Keyes library and a new bathroom at this year’s event.
“Our historic property is a living, on-going preservation project that requires painstaking accuracy and authenticity and use of skilled craftsmen for repairs and construction,” commented Board President Larry Schmidt. “Our annual fundraiser is essential, as well as support from foundations, corporations and individuals, is paramount to our survival and ability to offer varied programming.”
The 2022 Soirée in the Vieux Carré is proudly held in honor of Dr. and Mrs. Richard L. Strub with gratitude for their generous contributions to the stabilization and restoration of the BK Historic House & Gardens. The event also recognizes John Geiser III, member of the Board of Trustees of the Beauregard-Keyes House and valued volunteer for nearly 50 years prior to his recent death.
Tickets and sponsorship categories range from $250 per couple to $15,000 with benefits commensurate with each level and may be purchased in advance from bkhouse.org based on availability. Supporters 40 and under may secure two tickets for $150. Individual tickets are $75 and $45, depending on category. For additional information, call 504-523-7257.