The 11th anniversary of the “Good Apple Gala” was the highest grossing event in the organization’s history. The 2020 event, which took place at the NOPSI Hotel on January 23, celebrated the good work of their pro bono network members who recognize the importance of solving systemic problems at their root cause. Community Honorees were John Hairston, President/CEO of Hancock Whitney, for his support of wealth building strategies to end poverty, and David Kerstein, President of the Helis Foundation, who has provided incredible support to art communities. Master of Ceremonies Camille Whitworth, formerly of WGNO, presented glass apple awards to the honorees. John Hairston provided guests a special interview with Dr. Charles Teamer, whose life achievements have been archived in The History Makers, The Nation’s Largest African American Video Oral History Collection.
Representative Patricia Smith was honored for increasing access to education by promoting access to nutritious meals for public school children in our state. Salyria Gumms of Southeast Louisiana Legal Services received an award for increasing access to opportunity in her work with Louisiana Appleseed to reach families with the Heir Property Project in coastal Louisiana. Also honored was Attorney at Law Jeannine A. Sullivan for her multiple years of dedication with Appleseed to increasing access to justice for survivors of domestic violence.
Live music was provided by student jazz musicians from NOCCA. Flowers were provided by Adrian Florist. Design and printing was done by Pelican Events. The event provided guests with a lapel pin for Louisiana Appleseed.A glass set of hand-crafted vase and bowl was raffled as a door prize and was graciously donated by Young Aspirations Young Artists. Louisiana Appleseed Gala Co-Chairs and Board of Directors donated wine and bourbon for the “Everyone’s a Winner” rare wine and bourbon raffles.
An afterparty commenced at Victory Bar on Baronne Street.
Event sponsors at the Champions level included Entergy, Hancock Whitney and Helis Foundation.
Event at a Glance
What: “2020 Good Apple Gala,” benefiting Louisiana Appleseed
When: Saturday, January 23
Where: NOPSI Hotel
Honoree John Hairston, Honored Guest Dr. Charles Teamer and Honoree Rabbi David Kerstein
Sweet and Board Member Ben Dupuy
Board Members Don Abaunza, Celeste Coco-Ewing, Ashley Harrison and Allison Tiller
David Meyer and Board Member Brooke Tigchelaar
Marcus Brown, Christy Kane and Dan Falstad
