More than 125 patrons gathered in the Kingsley Gayle & Tom Benson Community Center, joined by nearly 300 patrons on Facebook Live, to celebrate the organization’s 125 years of life-changing programs and services in the courtyard of their historic campus.
Committee Co-Chairs Ralph Mahana and Kea Sherman spearheaded this year’s event alongside Master of Ceremonies LeBron “LBJ” Joseph and Jason Williams, Guest Speaker from the New Orleans District Attorney’s Office. Board Member and Assistant Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church John Pitzer led a prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ivory Henderson, U.S. Armed Services Veteran and program participant in Kingsley House’s Adult Day Care Program. Willie Michael Nelson, Kingsley House Alum, delivered a testimonial.
McHardy’s Chicken & Fixin’ prepared an old-fashioned picnic for the luncheon, which the in-person guests enjoyed accompanied by a champagne toast. Kingsley House preschoolers provided entertainment with their singing of “Thank You For Being A Friend.”
At the luncheon, Kingsley House also announced their intention to change their name during their 125th year to a name that reflects their values and vision for the children, families and community they serve. The new name will be announced in January 2022.
Presenting Sponsors included IBERIABANK/First Horizon; Windsor Court, Eustis Insurance and Benefits; Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Co.; Stewart Interior Contractors, LLC; Marsh & McLennan Agency – Southeast; Brendan Green; and the Zemurray Foundation.
Event At A Glance
What: “Picnic For A Purpose,” benefiting Kingsley House
When: Friday, April 30
Where: Kingsley House & Facebook Live
Look for “Philanthropic Events” on StCharlesAvenue.com to see more photos from this event
Follow Kingsley House on Facebook and Twitter @KingsleyHouse and on Instagram @KingsleyHouse1896.
Ashely D. Morgan, Lynn Smallpage Morgan and Catherine Freeman
Richard Roth III and Chimene Grant Saloy
Speaker & Kingsley House Alum Willie Michael Wilson and Dominique Wilson with CEO Keith Liederman
Sheldon Lykes, John Carrere and Claudia Powell
Kingsley House preschoolers.
Kingsley House preschoolers provided entertainment with their singing of “Thank You For Being A Friend.”
