The annual “Blue Rose Ball” drew 550 patrons to the Hilton New Orleans Riverside to support the students at St. Michael Special School, which nurtures more than 200 students from diverse backgrounds throughout metro New Orleans so they may grow in faith, academia and overall wellbeing. The fundraiser was to supplement the general budget in order to keep tuition affordable, as the cost of tuition covers less than half the cost of educating each student.
During the cocktail hour, a slideshow played featuring images of the students. The Blue Rose is the school’s symbol: “If there were such a thing as a Special Blue Rose, with what care it would be nurtured. Our children are that special.”
Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond delivered the invocation, during which he commented on the special devotion and connection of St. Michael Special School and Saint Teresa of Calcutta, who stayed in the convent and attended Mass in the chapel during her 1976 visit. The school is in the midst of a capital campaign to renovate the chapel in name of Saint Teresa of Calcutta.
The evening included myriad auction and raffle items. The Wine Glass Raffle included prizes such as Kendra Scott and Boudreaux’s jewelry and round trip Southwest Airlines tickets. There were 23 items in the silent auction, including hotel stays, restaurant gift cards, art and spa and beauty packages. The live auction awarded a Drago’s party package, a House of Blues Foundation Silver Membership and Bourbon Fest package and a San Francisco package. The Wise Guys provided musical entertainment.
Norman and Rachelle Albright served as Event Chairs, and Mark Romig and Jim Rapier served as emcees and auctioneers.
EVENT AT A GLANCE
What: “Blue Rose Ball,” benefiting St. Michael Special School
Where: Hilton New Orleans Riverside
When: Saturday, September 17
