The YLC honored 15 community members at a celebratory evening of live music, dinner and dancing. A Patron Party preceded the gala, which featured the awards presentation in addition to cuisine and cocktails from 12 local restaurants. A lively after party at the Ice Pit Lounge completed the festivities.
2018 YLC “Role Model Awards Gala” Committee Co-Chairs Kevin Ferguson and Caroline Hayes welcomed guests, followed by opening remarks from Master of Ceremonies Mark Romig and YLC Executive Director Stephanie Powell. YLC Board President Jack Wiles preceded Mark Romig’s presentation of the YLC Role Model Awards.
2018 Role Models are: Patrick L. Anderson (100 Black Men of Metro New Orleans), Dottie Belletto (NOCCI), Simone Crouere (Demo Diva), Steve Gleason (Team Gleason), Scott Hutcheson (Formerly City of New Orleans), Yvette M. Jones (The Jones Group of New Orleans), Leroy H. Prout Jr. (HRI Properties), Christopher Reade (LookFar), Shelby Russ (AOS Interior Environments), Matt Schwartz (Domain Companies), Stephen Stumpf (Durr Heavy Construction, LLC), Suzanne C. Thomas (Hancock Whitney Bank), Erica J. Washington, MPH (Louisiana Department of Health), Edward Womac Jr. (The Womac Law Firm) and Paris Woods, EdM (College Beyond).
Alex Harvie composed a live painting of the event that was raffled to provide 100 percent of proceeds in support of YLC’s leadership development programs and community service projects.
Musical entertainment for the evening included Clarence Johnson III on saxophone at the Patron Party, followed by Deacon John Moore and the Ivories performing at the gala. The after party hosted DJ Fayard Lindsey.
Event at a Glance
What: “Role Model Awards Gala,” benefiting Young Leadership Council
When: Wednesday, August 8
Where: The Orpheum Theater
YLC Executive Director Stephanie Powell, Board President Jack Wiles and Gala Co-Chair Caroline Hayes
Jeff Crouere, Role Model Simone Crouere and Paulette and Frank Stewart
Margaux Krane, David Briggs, David T. Baker and Master of Ceremonies Mark Romig
Role Model Suzanne Thomas, Charlie Fenton and Role Model Erica J. Washington, MPH
Steve and Cynthia Rome, Susan Russ and Role Model Shelby Russ