All you ladies leave your man at home, cuz it’s seven o’clock and the Cannery is jumpin’ jumpin’! It may have been a school night, and it may have been a local event venue, but more than 300 women of New Orleans were out and having as much fun as a weekend in Vegas. On December 1, ladies donned their hottest outfits, left their men at home and headed to Mid-City for a night of food, fun and prizes at the first Girls Night Out!
Upon checking-in, guests were greeted with a DJ and given carnival game tickets, swag bags and numbered tickets for the six fabulous door prizes. Every 15 minutes throughout the night, numbers were chosen and winners received a vast array of luxury prizes. Carnival games replaced the bingo event planned due to overwhelming support of local vendor donations that allowed JLNO to open the event to more winners. Close to $20,000 in prizes were donated and swag bags were valued at $170 each.
“Initial feedback has been that attendees had a great time at the event. From the food to the libations and the prizes, there was something for everyone,” said Maria Pardo Huete, JLNO President. “Credit for a fantastic event really belongs to the chairs, their committee and Ways and Means Council Director Christine Vinson. I can’t wait to see how this inaugural event develops over the next few years.”
The Skin, Spa and Sparkle drawing included a skin care regimen from Audubon Dermatology, a massage and facial from The Spa at The Windsor Court and jewelry from Kendra Scott.
Girls Night Out Vice-Chair Skye Fantaci holds a bucket of prizes for guests playing one of the many carnival games at Girls Night Out.
The Sports drawing winner received four tickets to a Saints game, four tickets to a Pelicans game, an autographed basketball and a private party at F&M Patio Bar. The Staycation drawing included a two-night stay at the Ritz-Carlton, a $100 gift card to Brennan’s and two theater tickets to see Jersey Boys. Other drawings included Jazz Fest tickets, two rides in the Krewe of Orpheus with two $500 gift cards from Plush Appeal and a black South Sea Tahitian Pearl necklace from Lee Michaels.
In addition to luxury prizes, guests used their tickets to participate in carnival games where additional prizes could be won.
Games and prizes were not the only entertainment the night had to offer. Throughout the night, the hosts challenged the crowd with JLNO trivia for additional prizes. Additionally, the venue’s perimeter was surrounded by food from several local restaurants: freshly grilled oysters from Superior Seafood, pizza from Theo’s Pizza and seven-layer dip from Taceaux Loceaux, just to name a few. There was also an open bar, serving everything from wine to mixed drinks and a signature cocktail.
“I’m having a really fun night!” relayed Lindsey Devereux. As a non-member, she explained she had often seen JLNO’s presence throughout the community, but enjoyed getting to talk to members, and non-members alike, on a social level.
The inaugural Girls Night Out event was such a success, the future is bound to hold many more exciting and fun events to come! Proceeds from the event support JLNO’s community projects including Lemonade Day University, Kids in the Kitchen and the Diaper Bank.
A special thanks to the sponsors and patrons of Girls Night Out, without which the night could not have been possible:
• European Wax Center
• Lee Michaels
• Sweet & Spark
• Waters, Parkerson & Co., LLC
• Krewe of Orpheus, Deborah Harkins
• Plush Appeal
• Toso Orthodontics
• Vinson Guard Service
• 2014-15 JLNO Board of Directors
• 2016-17 JLNO Board of Directors
• Alice Glenn
• Alicia Higginbotham
• Christine Vinson
• Connell Family Dentistry
• Donna Flower
• Ellen Coleman
• Erin Luetkemeier, Board 2009-10
• Homestead Title
• The Rowing Club
• Wedding Belles
• Saks Fifth Avenue
