The “2019 Son of a Saint Annual Gala,” in partnership with The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans, raised funds to support the core mission of supporting its myriad of programming events, activities and holistic services provided to more than 100 young mentees enrolled in the program.
Speakers at this year’s program were Son of a Saint Board Chair Ryan Burks, President of RYCARS Construction; Son of a Saint CEO and Founder Bivian “Sonny” Lee III; Broadcast News Veteran and Presenter Norman Robinson; and WGNO News Anchor and Son of a Saint Co-Founder Tamica Lee. The program was emceed by four of the current mentees in the program: Armando Polk, Myron Taylor, Kamal Johnson and Zander Dunbar. The Honorees and 2019 Sponsor of the Year award recipients were River Rock Stone Works represented by owners and operators Craig Tafaro and Allan Baudoin. The 2019 Mentor of the Year award recipient was Eddy Jurgielewicz and the 2019 Mentee of the Year award recipient was Myron Taylor.
For the second consecutive year, Son of a Saint proudly partnered with Link Stryjewski Foundation, Calcasieu Catering & Events and Moët & Chandon, to provide guests an ultra VIP welcoming experience during its Patron Party hour. The Patron Party included a three-piece band, a Moët & Chandon rosé-inspired photo booth and a special marquee lounge, reserved for top sponsors of the night. Brown-Forman also served as a beverage partner for the Gala and Patron Party. Treme Brass Band performed during the Gala, and Jeremy Davenport and DJ RQ Away entertained at the After Party.
Patron Party catering included a seafood raw bar provided by Link-Stryjewski Foundation and Calcasieu Catering & Events. Gala catering by the Ritz-Carlton included a salad course, a dinner entrée of filet of beef and lump crab cake and café au lait crème brûlée with apricot financier for dessert.
Marquee Sponsors included: Advantage Capital, Goss Advisors, Jones Walker, King & Jurgens, Latter & Blum Inc., River Rock Stone Works and RYCARS Construction.
Event at a Glance
What: “2019 Son of a Saint Annual Gala,” benefiting Son of A Saint
When: Friday, November 1
Where: The Ritz-Carlton
Ingrid Rinck, Heidi Dugan and Toni Becnel
James Dugan, Tyrus Child and Devon Becnel
