The French Quarter Fest kicked off what would usually begin the 2020 festival season on Friday, March 6, with its annual gala fundraiser at The Fillmore New Orleans, setting a glamorous evening for the more than 500 guests in attendance. The gala featured a full open bar, dinner and a silent auction.
Honorees included musician Walter “Wolfman” Washington, OffBeat Magazine publisher Jan Ramsey and Vance Vaucresson of Vaucresson’s Sausage. French Quarter Festivals, Inc. also honored the late Earn Bernhardt and Tropical Isle for years of support and commitment to the French Quarter community.
Guests enjoyed cuisine selections including The Fillmore crudité display, mini crawfish pies, a surf and turf roll, Loretta’s Pralines and Windsor Court dessert bites. Flowers donated by The Plant Gallery decorated the tables.
Evan Christopher and David Torkanowsky performed at the patron party. At the gala, Sweet Crude was followed by the Rebirth Brass Band.
Auction highlights included Pelicans and Saints memorabilia donated by Chevron; a two-night stay at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel; KREWE Milan sunglasses; a VIP experience at Abita Pub; a feed an alpaca and anteater experience donated by the Audubon Institute; a “Take Two” membership to the New Orleans Film Society; a behind-the-scenes tour at the New Orleans Jazz Museum; an Antoine’s gift certificate; four tickets and an exclusive guided tour at the National WWII Museum; a signed Kermit Ruffins photograph; and more local and nationwide experiences.
➺ Event at a Glance
What: “French Quarter Fest Gala,” benefiting French Quarter Festivals, Inc.
When: Friday, March 6
Where: The Fillmore