
The Ballet Resource and Volunteer Organization (BRAVO) of the New Orleans Ballet Association called upon all of its costumed ballet crusaders and friends when it hosted a Boo Bash benefit on Oct. 26.
And gather they did at Southern Yacht Club to enjoy camaraderie and costumes, the latter of which were part of a contest. Celebrity judges Timmy Doe and Chad Graci were mesmerized and chose their favorite costumes. Group winners included: “Witch Doctors,” Sandra Thompson Herman and Katelyn Denty; “Bumblebees,” Dr. Marcia Davila, Dr. Blanca Rosa Maldonado, Jacqueline Simon, Luz Caputto, Mayra Pineda, Maria Bonilla, Olga Garcia, Elsie Bouchette and Maria Vallejo; and “Punk Witches,” Jessica Marasco Illes and Joni Muggivan. Individual winners were Tammy O’Shea and Gerri Valene, who tied for witch hat looks; Margarita Bergen as “Ursula” from “The Little Mermaid” and Yolanda Doucette as a mermaid.
In addition to the contest and luncheon, there was a small silent auction, including premium New Orleans Saints tickets with a parking pass, a Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel staycation package, a variety of wine and spirits, art and more. Marshall Harris provided the entertainment, which included some Halloween-themed songs.
This is BRAVO’s first Boo Bash, which in the past held a “Witch’s Brew Tea” and “Witches and Warlocks Tea.” Event co-chairs were Gerri Valene and Liz Broekman.
Fun Fact: Halloween-themed headpieces were available for purchase prior to and at the BRAVO Boo Bash. They were created by Ousier and Clairee Millinery, who also created Nutcracker-themed headpieces for the holidays for BRAVO with sales benefiting the BRAVO Nutcracker Legacy Fund.




