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The Preservation Resource Center held their 27th Julia Jump on Friday, March 26 at The Sugar Mill. The first event in 1978 sought to fund the restoration of Julia Row – 13 Georgian townhouses built in 1832 that had gone from a nickname of “Millionaire’s Row” to “skid row.” Today, the proceeds go toward the organization’s programs – including Operation Comeback, Rebuilding Together, African-American Heritage Preservation and Historic Preservation Education – as the PRC dedicates themselves to their mission: “To promote the preservation, restoration and revitalization of New Orleans’ historic architecture and neighborhoods.”
Honorary Chair Harry Shearer welcomed attendees along with Event Chairs Wendy Joseph and Elise Merlin in a setting of New Orleans scenes by Blaine Kern Jr.’s Mardi Gras Productions. A festival-worthy line-up of restaurants, including Acme Oyster House, Bacco, Juan’s Flying Burrito, Mother’s Restaurant and St. James Cheese Company, dished up good eats. Republic served “Moscow Mule” as the drink of the evening – a tasty mixture of vodka and ginger beer. Music was by BRW as well as by Zion Harmonizers for the patron party.
Popular auction items were a custom-made 2009 Diamond Series Schecter electric guitar signed by Sean Payton, a Hornets jersey worn and signed by Chris Paul, a diamond fleur-de-lis necklace donated by Friend & Company and luxury accommodations in Costa Rica.
Everyone went home with Hubig’s Pies decorated in Julia Jump wrappers as a reminder of the fun-filled night and the importance of preserving the unique houses in this unique city.
