From the moment guests arrived, New Orleans-style music resonated throughout the Audubon Tea Room, compliments of the Archbishop Rummel High School Jazz Band. Louise Jardell and Jean Rice served as Co-Chairs for the event.
Each year, an exemplary pro-life Catholic Church Parish is honored. St. Philip Neri was selected as the 2015 honoree.
Lisa Baynham shared words of welcome, followed by an invocation from Archbishop Gregory Aymond. Sr. Marjorie Hebert from Catholic Charities entertained with her sense of humor!
Archbishop Rummel Ambassador volunteers, dressed in navy crested blazers, assisted in running the auction boards and other activities. A large, lavishly framed signed James Michalopolous art piece, titled “Scene for 10:15,” was one of the biggest moneymakers. For announcing auction board closings, instead of ringing a bell, a teak and brass gong with a mallet got bidders’ attention. There was also a game of 50/50 with a cash prize.
This year’s event sold out ahead of time and had one of the largest crowds ever. The Catholic Charities ACCESS Program is a pregnancy and referral center, providing pro-life pregnancy support to more than 900 women and their families in the New Orleans Area in the last year.
EVENT AT A GLANCE
What: “ACCESS Jazz Brunch,” benefiting ACESS Pregnancy & Referral Centers
When: Sunday, April 12
Where: Audubon Tea Room
