The Pro Bono Project heralded its 31st annual “Justice for All Ball “with a festive fête in truly New Orleans fashion, where more than 500 guests danced and dined throughout Mardi Gras World’s themed ballrooms.
At the Patron Party, the evening’s Emcee Mark Romig gathered the crowd in Mardi Gras World’s Riverview Room for a short presentation and discussed the mission of The Pro Bono Project to provide free, civil legal aid to under-served members of our community. Executive Director C.C. Kahr thanked guests for attending and introduced Committee Chair Nadège A. Assalé, who presented an engraved bowl courtesy of Adler’s to Honorary Chair Vincent J. Giardina, Trustee of the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust. After remarks by Giardina, Romig introduced Committee Chairs Lacey Rochester and Jedd Malish.
Patron Party food was provided by Muriel’s Jackson Square, Acme Oyster House, Azul Sports Restaurant and The Tasting Room. Ruth Marie & Her Jazz Band performed and ushered guests into the Grand Oaks Mansion with the Merry Antoinettes who led a second line.
Guests were welcomed with this year’s specialty cocktail, The Lady Justice. More than 20 local restaurants offered guests a sampling of dishes. Local favorites The Bucktown All-Stars kept guests dancing the night away with R&B, Soul, Rock, Funk and New Orleans jams.
Louisiana artist Christy Boutte created an original painting, “Lady Justice,” that was auctioned off at the event. Other silent auction items included “bucket-list” travel adventures provided by partner organization, AmFund. Guests bid and won trips to Greece, Spain, Italy, Croatia, San Francisco, Aruba and Alaska; a behind-the-scenes tour of NBC’s “Saturday Morning Today Show;” memorabilia and tickets from the New Orleans Saints; a custom-made suit by Luca Falcone; jewelry by Kendra Scott and Chimento Designs; artwork by Ashley Arnold; and wellness packages by Blue Wave Physical Therapy & Wellness. Additionally, raffle winners won gift certificates to local restaurants, gym memberships and tickets to the New Orleans Ballet and Opera. Guests also participated in a champagne drawing by purchasing hand-painted wine and champagne glasses decorated specifically for the event.
The entire JFAB 2019 Ball Committee, Volunteers and The Pro Bono Project Staff worked tirelessly and thanks to Darleene Peters, Crystal Domreis, April Davenport, Lacey Rochester, Rachael Schilling and the more than 40 sponsors of this event
Event at a Glance
What: “Justice for All Ball,” benefiting The Pro Bono Project
When: Friday, September 20
Where: Mardi Gras World
