KID smART is a nonprofit organization dedicated to engaging the children of our city to the learning process, and seeing that they are empowered by life skills that they learn through the performing and visual arts. The organization is also focusing on enhancing the recovery and well being of children in the post-Katrina environment. On Nov. 9, the group’s annual fund-raiser took place at the home of Josh Mayer and Jill Dupré, with a turnout of 200 guests. Barbara Sands and Laverne Saulny co-chaired the event, which had Joel’s catering prepare the night’s the cuisine, including grilled lamb chops, Joel’s signature crawfish salad, artichoke cheesecake squares and a variety of delicious desserts. The Conan Pappas Trio from the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts performed throughout the night and Terrance Osborne was the featured artist. The event raised around $30,000 for KID smART, which will fund programs that involve intensive, quality instruction by professional artists who have experience working with under-resourced children.

Event co-chairs Barbara Sands and Laverne Saulny flank Joel Dondis