The scene of caped crusaders, masked villains and brightly hued Lycra in the Hyatt Regency’s Empire Ballroom on Sat., Oct. 20, looked more like Gotham City or Metropolis, but the spirit of the event was homegrown from New Orleans. The Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ superheroes-themed 34th annual “Howling Success” patron party and gala was a smashing success, raising almost $200,000 for the cause.
Jazz vocalist Ingrid Lucia, of the Flying Neutrinos family, performed at the patron party and was succeeded at the gala by the Twilight Band, with their genre-bending fusion of classic New Orleans jazz and current Top Forty hits. Patrons hit the dance floor in style, and faster than Clark Kent can navigate a phone booth the night wrapped up way too soon.
Even superheroes need their sustenance, and Chef Greg Picolo of Redemption Restaurant led the charge in directing signature dishes from over 30 area New Orleans restaurants.
LA/SPCA Board President Ellen Kempner presented the 2012 Dorothy Dorsett Brown Humanitarian Award to the Haydel family of Haydel’s Bakery. The Haydels received the honor in appreciation for their donation of the Mardi Gras Bead Dog and their participation as title sponsor in the Paws on Parade public art project, which raised awareness for animal welfare and the LA/SPCA.
Event at a Glance
What: 34th annual “Howling Success” patron party and gala to benefit the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
When: Saturday, October 20
Where: Empire Ballroom, Hyatt Regency Hotel
