This year, City Park turned 150 years old, so there was naturally much cause to celebrate. The Friends of City Park threw its annual “Lark in the Park” event on Oct. 8, when almost 1,000 brave guests faced the stormy weather—some donning cocktail dresses complete with designer rubber boots.
Guests sipped on “Merrymaking Martinis” and more than 35 local restaurants provided the “Birthday Bash Libations,” including Parkway Tavern and Bakery, Mango House, Saltwater Grill and Serrano’s Salsa Co. Under the much-needed tent, the Soul Shockers from Memphis had everyone dancing.
Sponsored by Hibernia National Bank and Schlumberger, “Lark” raised more than $135,000 due in part to both the live and silent auctions. Garnering the highest bid in the live auction was the authentically restored, private Pullman Car party. Also of note was the trip to St. Augustine, Fla., a Delta steamboat cruise and a full-length mink. Included in the silent auction were private wine tastings for 12 from Cork and Bottle Fine Wines, hotel stays at the Fairmont Hotel, the Ritz-Carlton and Hotel Monaco, and incredible artwork from Galerie Royale, Carl LeBoeuf and Nicholas Cromwell.
Julie LaCour and Scott Gileta
Vonda and Charles Rice with Susan Hess
Kathy Schrenk, Paul Masinter and Jodi Lafranca
Bill Coates and Sue Guarisco
Bill Gallowey, Andrea Legrand, City Councilman Jay Batt and Andree Batt
