On April 18, at 7:30 p.m., Jefferson Dollars for Scholars presented the annual Rising Stars Golden Tassel Gala, celebrating scholastic achievement. The theme for the evening was “Rising Stars” – a salute to program beneficiaries who graduated high school this year.
The gala, chaired by Ricky and JoAnn Burke, featured roughly 50 restaurants, a silent auction and student works of art on display. Restaurants included New City Grille, Five Happiness, La Maison Creole, Galatoire’s, Portobello Catering, Astor Crowne Plaza and Maddie’s Place donated to the gala.
Festivities also included an auction of items including a Spinet piano, a Lake Pontchartrain painting by Eddie Mormon, a lamp donated by Scandinavia, a gas lamp donated by Bevolo, gift certificates for Hiller Jewelry, White Gold and Diamond Earrings from Raymond’s Jewelry, even two seats riding in Excalibur. Guests were also treated to a Golden Tassel Pull where guests won bags of goodies.
Sponsors for the evening included gala sponsor Ochsner, as well as corporate sponsors Entergy, AT&T, Northrop Grumman and Cox Communications.
Henry and Pat Shane hosted a patron party, held the preceding evening of April 17, in celebration of the 15th anniversary of the Jefferson Dollars for Scholars program. Kim and Mike Sport chaired the event, and Carroll Suggs rounded out the 15th Anniversary committee. (Mike and Carroll were also the fund drive chairs in the first year of Jefferson Dollars for Scholars.)
Andrea’s Restaurant and Catering donated patron dining. Chef Andrea was honored by the announcement of a Chef Andrea Scholarship, presented to a student pursuing culinary studies at college.
The Scholars program provides scholarships for Jefferson Parish public school students to attend summer enrichment and post-secondary education institutions. This year, Jefferson Dollars for Scholars provided scholarships to 193 graduating seniors.
Janice Piazza, Barbara Turner Windhorst and Joan Mollanhan
Sydna Barocco, Kellie Rush-Sims, Anne Katherine Lene, Amber Stevens and Millie Harris
Henry and Pat Shane with gala chairs JoAnn and Ricky Burke
Wayne Nocito, Dianna Dyer and Kathy and Glenn Hayes
Gina and Todd Acomb, Pat LeBlanc, Pat and Mary Bordelon and Anne Brennan
