Celebrating Latin culture while raising funds, the New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation hosted its annual Azúcar Ball on Nov. 23 at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans. This year’s theme, “Quisqueya Noche de Encanto Tropical,” paid tribute to the rich culture of the Dominican Republic.
Presented by Pan-American Life Insurance Group, the evening began with a patron party, sponsored by restaurateur Chef Adolfo Garcia Jr. followed by the main event, which kicked off with cuisine from some of New Orleans’ top restaurants, including Brasa Churrasqueria, Empanola, La Cocina De Antonio, Tito’s Ceviche & Pisco, and many more.
Guests danced the night away — this event has been voted as the “Best Dancing Party in New Orleans” — to infectious Latin rhythms performed by AshèSon, Fermin Ceballos and DJ Felipe Estrada.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Gálvez Cup, the foundation’s highest honor, to Sonia Pérez, former president of AT&T Southeast States, and a dedicated supporter of the foundation.
The Azúcar Ball serves as the foundation’s primary fundraiser, with proceeds going toward scholarships for outstanding low-income Hispanic high school and college-bound students. Since 1993, the foundation has awarded more than 1,300 scholarships.
Event co-chairs were Ashley Garcia and Dr. Nicole Caridad Ralston.
Fun Fact: The 2025 Azúcar Ball co-chairs are Isis Casanova, Rosa Rodriguez and Ashley Morgan and the event is on Dec. 6.
