Kingsley House held its fourth annual “Friendraising Luncheon” this April at the historic Kingsley gymnasium, which marked 117 years of service to Southeast Louisiana, where supporters and friends made this year’s theme “Cheers for Kingsley House” ring true with cheers of their own.
The event welcomed more than 350 guests and raised over $70,000 for Kingsley House programming. Event chair Sheldon Lykes and master of ceremonies and Vice President of the board Miles Channing Thomas helped make this year’s “Friendraising Luncheon” a spectacular success.
Kingsley House’s program participants provided the entertainment. The event kicked off with the children of the Preschool Program second-lining to Kermit Ruffins’ “Drop Me off in New Orleans,” while the Adult Services participants wowed guests with their “Drama Queens Chair Dancers” musical performance.
If guests weren’t occupied with clapping their hands to the beat, they were busy enjoying a delicious array of food provided by chef Donald Link. The menu included salad of squash, goat feta cheese, mint, tomato and red onion with pecan vinaigrette; smothered beef short ribs; and a brown-butter almond tart. Olivia’s Cookies provided favors.
Founded in 1896, Kingsley House aims to educate children, strengthen families and build communities. Kingsley’s nationally accredited programs include: Head Start for preschool-aged children, family counseling and the Magic Johnson Foundation Empowerment Center, a state-of-the-art facility that makes computers, word-processing programs and the internet accessible to the community.
Event at a Glance
What: Kingsley House’s Fourth annual “Friendraising Luncheon,” benefiting Kindsley House
When: Tuesday, April 30
Where: Kingsley gymnasium
