Ensuring the Lafitte Greenway remains a healthy and vibrant public space that connects people to nature, their destinations and to each other, Friends of Lafitte Greenway hosted the sixth annual “Greenway Soirée,” the organization’s largest annual benefit.
Held trailside at the Cellar on St. Louis, the event flowed between a tented outdoor space with twinkling string lights and an indoor space dressed up for the night. This year, for the first time ever, the soirée “went blue” thanks to major sponsorship from Blue Bikes. All event attendees received a one-year membership to New Orleans’ new bike share system so they could both support the Greenway and ride through it in style.
The event opened with a Patron Party immediately followed by the main event, and concluded with a late-night event for those who wished to continue mingling. The Host Committee included Dr. Eric Griggs, Monty Lunn and Michel Varisco. Event Co-Chairs were Dawn Anuszkiewicz and Leonetta Terrell. This year recognized Honoree Jeffrey Thomas, former Friends of Lafitte Greenway Board Chair.
Catering was generously donated by more than a dozen restaurants. A selection of craft beer was donated by Second Line Brewing, fine wines by Bizou Wines & Mystic Vine, cocktails by The Velvet Cactus, Seven Three Distilling and Ethiopian coffee by La Vie En Rose Cafe.
Musical entertainment was provided by Mario Abney and the Abney Effect and DJ Slick Leo.
An auction featured prizes such as a Las Vegas vacation package with entertainment and airfare tickets; private parties at Parkway Bakery & Tavern including food and beverages; a Saints Staycation including tickets to the Saints vs. Rams game at the Superdome and a stay at the Ritz-Carlton; and a Retrospec Bicycle and tune up bike package from Dashing Bicycles.
Event at a Glance
What: “Greenway Soirée,” benefiting Friends of Lafitte Greenway
When: Friday, October 5
Where: The Cellar on St. Louis
Co-Chair Leonetta Terrell and Greenway Ambassador Derek Wilson
Board Member Antonia Keller, Destinie Hammond, Geoff Coats and Executive Director Sophie Harris Vorhoff
