The Contemporary Arts Center hosted “You Night New Orleans 2019” to a sold-out audience of 750 guests, comprised of friends, family members, health care providers and program sponsors who attended to cheer on 24 cancer survivors who walked the runway as a celebration of life. The method behind the experience is to train the participants to walk the fashion runway – with the bigger purpose of bringing cancer survivors together as a support group.
The theme of this year’s program was “TURN THE BEAT AROUND,” a Latin-inspired theme that showcased the strength, love and beauty of the survivors through the music, videos and decorations. The show opened with 40 You Night alumnae who were dressed in “Copacabana-style” outfits and walked out on the runway to choreographed Latin music. Many of the costumes were provided by Carl Mack, owner of The Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture. Carl entertained the guests during their arrival with Latin songs that he played on the marimba.
The runway show featured three clothing collections and a variety of thematic elements to showcase the theme and the beauty of the participants. The 24 cancer survivor role models who were celebrated on stage included: Sherri Lanzetta, Christine Becnel, Laurie Mauberret, Melissa Simon, Aliceson Moore, Janice Pennewell, Yadira Fandino, Dwanlynette Price, Lisa LaFrance, Patricia Chotto, Nita Meyer, Jane Fandrich, Anna Naquin, Tammy Sperandeo, Shanturia Thornton, Takeisha Revelle, Tina Dandry-Mayes, Alicia Poydras, Stacey Meany, Cherie Berrigan, Elizabeth Hampton, Vanessa Richard, Valerie Bouldin and Kay Wittenberg.
Productions provided the stage and lighting, featuring You Night’s signature 94-foot-long stage. Boutiques who were featured in the event include: Town & Country Bridal, Dillard’s, Saving Grace, Maiya, Chico’s, Maiya, Hemline, Dolce Boutiques, and Jean Therapy, which, in the Grand Finale, featured Jean Therapy jeans and a signature crystal embossed You Night T-shirt and crystal embossed scarves. Hair and makeup styling was gifted to each participant by H20 Salon & Spa in Metairie. More than 25 favorite area restaurants and beverage companies donated food and libations to the guests.
Dr. Ali Sadeghi with Sadeghi Center for Plastic Surgery was the Title Sponsor and West Jefferson Medical Center was the Hospital Sponsor, represented on stage by Oncologists Dr. Jimmy Ellis and Dr. Nelly Aoun.
Event at a Glance
What: “You Night New Orleans 2019,” benefiting You Night Events’ WE LIFT YOU UP fund
When: Saturday, July 27
Where: Contemporary Arts Center
Ruth Avila and Holley Haag
Candice Haynes, Kenny Lopez and Rhonda Ebel
