March was a busy month for fund-raisers with these three local schools putting their own spin on their respective parties.
On March 3, Jesuit High School hit the high seas with its nautically themed “Celebration” benefit held at the school. More than 500 Jesuit supporters were greeted at the party’s entrance by an oversized life preserver with “USS Celebration” inscribed on it, and a number of the attendees dressed in the evening’s theme. Known for its extensive silent and live auctions, the event’s proceeds benefit the school and its rebuilding fund.
Metairie Park Country Day School’s “Soirée de Country Day,” held March 16, was casual and creative. The school’s courtyard was adorned with white lights and maypoles tied with French blue ribbon, while inside the tables were a vision of white—tablecloths, roses and votives. A number of restaurants donated food—Kajun Kettle Food’s roasted vegetable soup was a favorite—and the auction showcased a number of unique items—such as a framed black-and-white photo collage of the school’s kindergarteners’ faces. There was even a “Wish” auction board consisting of items that the school faculty requested, but could not be accommodated by the school budget. DJ Dave was the entertainment, closing out the night of festivities.
Local celebrities showed off their skills for waiting tables at Archbishop Shaw High School’s “Celebrity Waiters” luncheon on March 29. Forty-nine celebrities were paired with 49 student volunteers to wait on the more than 500 school supporters who attended. In addition to ticket sales, money was raised by waiters encouraging their tables to tip—with musician Ronnie Kole as the celebrity that garnered the most tips. Other party attractions included a “Balloon Pop” for prizes, a live auction led by Darrell Greene, the Don Bosco raffle for $5,000 and music by 4 x 4. More than $100,000 was raised for this all-boys Catholic school serving grades 8 to 12.
Kim DeVun, Rev. Anthony J. McGinn, Br. William Dardis and Karen Matthews
Event co-chairs Betsy White and Sheila Vocke are flanked by their husbands Jerry White and Dr. Gerald Vocke
Event co-chairs Greer Reisig, Nicole Johnson and Jennifer Daly
Trip and Lisa Ludwig with Sarah Louise and Scott Ham
Fr. Jim McKenna with students
Fr. Mike Conway and Darrell Greene
Cody Tassin with Kriss Fairbairn
