[gtx_gallery]
The 30th Anniversary of Boys Hope Girls Hope was aptly celebrated with a pearl-themed gala on Friday, September 10, at City Park’s Pavilion of the Two Sisters. The soirée was filled with dinner, dancing and exciting auctions in one of the city’s most picturesque settings.
The splendid menu included gumbo from Acme Oyster House, City Park salads by NOLA Beans, lettuce wraps from P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, sushi from Twin Sushi, ziti from Venezia Restaurant, pork and corn pudding from VooDoo BBQ and last, but certainly not least, classic New Orleans desserts.
This year’s gala was sponsored by AT&T and The Catholic Foundation. Special guests included Chairperson Julie Calhoun; Bonnie Eades; Peter R. Quirk; Mike Rodrigue; Alvin M. Rouchell M.D.; and Cynthia Thomas. The mood of the cocktail-attired fête was jolly as Sha’on and the Girls with Success brought their Motown magic to the stage.
The silent and live auctions had all sorts of interesting items and fun packages including the priceless Super Bowl football autographed by Drew Brees. In addition, there was a raffle, a “home” pendant designed by James Michalopoulos for sale and the opportunity to purchase squares of carpet for the Boys Hope home.
In 1980, Jesuit priest Fr. Harry Tompson, S.J. and Judge Adrian Duplantier co-founded Boys Hope Girls Hope of Greater New Orleans. The organization manages two homes, of up to eight residents each, which serve as enriching environments for at-risk children, leading them to succeed at high school and college levels.
