On May 17 at the Astor Crown Plaza, guests flocked to a fundraising event hosted by Rita Benson LeBlanc of the New Orleans Saints and the New Orleans VooDoo, and Gerald Parton of Peoples Health. Commencing at 6 p.m., the American Heart Association’s New Orleans Heart & Soul Gala celebrated unique things about our city with caricature artists, tarot card readers and a live performance by Deacon John & the Ivories. Guests sipped on cocktails and a silent auction took place, where partygovers bid on fabulous prizes, including dinner at the wine table at Commander’s Palace, a variety of vacation packages, artwork and a Pamela Dennis couture gown. There was also a dinner, which was followed by dancing and a live auction that was led by Philip Straub. Meg Farris of WWL-TV served as the emcee. The black-tie affair was undoubtedly classy and raised awareness and funding for education, research and awareness to help prevent heart disease and stroke in the greater New Orleans area. The American Heart Association is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is “Building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.”
Linda Emerick, Bill Oliver and Stella Del Bianco
Gerald Parton and Deborah Hernandez
Betsie Gambel and Dr. Kevin and Carol Roache
Leslie Stokes, Beverly and Dr. Robert Matheney and Virginia Eckholdt
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