Desire NOLA’s 1940s-themed “A Party Named Desire” wowed guests on Friday, March 28 at Republic New Orleans with enough music, fashion and fun to keep guests Jitterbugging through the night.
Guests enjoyed music by Big Sam’s Funky Nation and DJ Damion Yancy, as well as a complimentary Stiletto Vodka Cosmopolitan at the door. The retro theme included a photo shoot, where attendees could pose with 1940s-style pin-up models. A third, similarly-dressed model strolled the crowd selling tickets for a raffle with items from businesses including Mignon Faget, Unique Products, The Ogden Museum of Southern Art, LePhare and Spa Aria.
Attire for the evening was described as “Betty Grable” for ladies and “Clark Gable” for gentlemen; members of the organization’s board dazzled in vintage-inspired dresses and hairdos.
The smashingly successful event was made possible with the help of event chairs Hannah Thomas, Chrissy Gross and Stephanie Mayne, and co-chairs Christi Reeves, Ashley Barkley and Courtney Fisher.
Small business owners Melvin and Desiree Faber, of Faber Awards Inc., and Joyce Godbold, of the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience, were honored at the event. Godbold and the Fabers each received grants for $2,000 and were recognized at the event before the Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show.
The event raised roughly $20,000 for Desire NOLA’s small business development programs. Sponsors included Saks Fifth Avenue, Uptown Graphics, Republic New Orleans, Stiletto Vodka, Martha and Gary Solomon, Adams & Reese, Transportation Consultants, Inc., Triton Stone Group and Whole Foods.
