The Pro Bono Project celebrated 20 years of giving back to the community this year with the annual Justice For All Ball. Held on Friday, October 3, the night kicked off with a lively patron party at 6:30 p.m. with scrumptious food by Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. At 8 p.m. the main event began, and hundreds of partygoers danced to the rockin’ sounds of Deacon John and the Ivories until midnight. Ben Johnson served as honorary chairman this year, while the ball’s committee chairperson was the Pro Bono Project’s board member Justin Woods, Esq.
More than 20 fine dining staples from around the city, including Andrea’s Restaurant, Cochon, Galatoire’s, Herbsaint and New City Grille, provided much needed sustenance to weary dancers, while Andrea’s allowed patrons to refresh with chilly libations from Chef Andrea’s Special Martini Bar Ice Sculpture.
Perhaps more exciting that the excellent cuisine, however, were the extravagant raffle prizes won by select lucky guests. Gift certificates to luxurious hotels, cooking classes, restaurants and even jewelry are just a sample of the smattering of available prizes. There was also a special Art, Travel and Culture silent auction, with art by local favorites George Rodrigue and Café Degas owner/partner Jacques Soulas, plus a chance to bid on an excursion around New Orleans in a private rail car courtesy of New Orleans Public Belt Railroad.
All proceeds from the evening benefited The Pro-Bono Project, which works diligently to provide free and expert civil legal services to people in the five major parishes in Louisiana who can not afford it.
Celeste Gauthier and Jacques Soulas
Barbara and honorary chairman Ben Johnson
Committee chair Justin Woods, Julia Reed and John Pearce
Angel Soulas, Jackie and Bruce Shreves and Anne Gauthier
Mark Surprenant and Rachel Piercey
