“Sugarplum Ball 2020” transported guests to the whacky and whimsical world of Wonderland. Hedge walls created a maze that led to the rabbit hole filled with oversized flowers and greenery. The main ballroom featured tables covered in an array of vibrant colors and atop the tables for guests were teapots, top hats and flowers ready for the Mad Hatter’s tea party. Illuminated trees hung over the dance floor decorated with playing cards, clocks and tea cups. Live entertainers were on site as well: Alice, The Queen of Hearts, The Mad Hatter and The White Rabbit all made appearances. The Mad Hatter’s VIP Tea Party was held the hour before the ball. Top sponsors and hospital executives were treated to bites from Ralph’s on the Park and Brennan’s while the James Martin Band played.
The ball featured music by Karma and cuisine catered by 32 local restaurants. Beverages were provided by Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED Inc., Crescent Crown Distributing, The Goldring Family Foundation/Sazerac Company and Republic National Distributing Company.
Key auction prizes included an acrylic painting of LSU quarterback Joe Burrow by Kyle Lucks, 18-karat rose gold diamond crossover hoop earrings by Aucoin Hart Jewelers, a one-week stay in a St. Kitts home donated by Dr. Evans Valerie and a New Orleans Pelicans Suite Experience including 16 tickets, parking and $1,000 in catering donated by Sher Garner Cahill Richter Klein & Hilbert LLC. The event raised funds for the new Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at Children’s Hospital New Orleans, which opened in January. The New CICU expanded specialized pediatric cardiology services for the region, with 28 large private rooms designed to care for patients with any cardiac medical or surgical condition requiring specialized care from newborns to adulthood.
Co-Chairs were Katie Crosby and Julie George. The Lemoine Company served as Presenting Sponsor. Additional sponsors included the Alice in Wonderland Sponsor McDonnel Construction Services, King of Hearts Sponsor Ray and Jessica Brandt Family Foundation and The Cheshire Cat Sponsors Baker Donelson, Bank of America Securities, Bernhard, Lynne Burkart, Fidelity Bank, Gootee Building Trust, IBERIABANK, Marye and John Nickens and PJs Coffee of New Orleans. The event raised more than $530,000.
➺ Event at a Glance
What: 39th annual “Sugarplum Ball 2020,” benefiting Children’s Hospital New Orleans
When: Saturday, March 7
Where: The Fillmore
Ted and Co-Chair Julie George with Co-Chair Katie and Howell Crosby
Board Chair Tony Recasner and Children’s Hospital CEO John Nickens
Sarah and LCMC Health CEO Greg Feirn
Hunter and Board Member Kaylea Hill with Philip and Courtney Garrett
Ben Whitworth with Board Members Dr. Stephen Hales and Whit Huguley
Board Member Dr. Chip Roth and City Councilmember Joe Giarrusso