A nautical “Party on Lake Pontchartrain” offered a fun and festive way for 300 partygoers to give back to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
The event honored 8-year-old Daniel Wedge IV, Honored Hero, who’s now in remission from T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
James C. Wade served as Event Chair, and Guy Brierre served as Commodore of SYC, Master of Ceremonies. Ryan DeToro, GM of Porsche New Orleans, event title sponsor, delivered remarks.
Prior to the main event, the VIP Party, entitled “Cocktails with the Commodore,” featured an open bar and a special pin for those in attendance. A special auction featured a bottle of Family Reserve Goslings Old Rum, which was won by Michael Tubre, whose son was diagnosed with leukemia when he was 3. Rinear Coulter, a member of the Goslings family, provided background and history on Goslings Rum.
Fifteen local New Orleans restaurants, including Galatoire's, The Court of Two Sisters, Mellow Mushroom, Drago's, Acme Oyster House, Jacques Imo’s and more, lined the South wall of the dining room. Table centerpieces included two candles and a glass “message in a bottle” that had a replica of a burgee flag sticking out of the top.
The Accidentals provided musical entertainment, new to the gala this year. A live auction featured prizes such as two Bermuda trips, donated by Goslings Rum, an Ireland trip, a Bahamas trip, a painting by Mariana Canu, a football signed by Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning and more. A highlight included two black chickens, referred to as the Ayam Cemani chickens, that are said to be “the Lamborghini of poultry,” worth $2,500 each.
Ryan and Kristin DeToro, Joy and Event Chair James C. Wade
Rinear Coulter, Commodore of SYC Guy and Pam Brierre and Katie Triplett
Event at a Glance
What: “Party on Lake Pontchartrain – Leukemia Cup Regatta,” benefiting Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
When: Saturday, April 7
Where: Southern Yacht Club