Parkway Partners celebrated its 30th anniversary with a downtown gala at the Hyatt Regency on Thursday, October 25, raising over $100,000 for the general operations and programs budget.
The concepts of growing and eating local were never far from the main event, as the three-course dinner featured the best of locally grown produce. Creamy pumpkin bisque was the attention-stealer of the night. Most guests didn’t sit for too long though, with the sweet sounds of Deacon John headlining a night of dance floor reverie that also included Anais St. John, Lena Prima, Banu Gibson and the Tom Hook Trio.
The board of directors selected Dan Gill, an associate professor in consumer horticulture at Louisiana State University, as recipient of the third annual Green Spirit Award. Gill also serves as a spokesperson for the LSU AgCenter’s Get it Growing initiative and is a well-known media personality, appearing with Channel 4 Morning News, The Times-Picayune and WWL 870-AM. Gill was honored at an earlier patron party, while 30 other honorees were recognized at the gala, each representing one year of Parkway Partners’ existence.
In 30 years of service dedicated to rebuilding and preserving the beautification of New Orleans neighborhoods and community gardens, Parkway Partners has planted over 10,000 trees through ReLeaf New Orleans, restored Lee Circle and coordinated the involvement of over 3,000 students with schoolyard gardens, to name just a few of the organization’s accomplishments. Parkway Partners continues to generate new initiatives to emphasize environmental responsibility and education, and community and economic development.
Event at a Glance
What: “30th Anniversary Gala,” benefiting Parkway Partners
When: Thursday, October 25
Where: Hyatt Regency Hotel
