The Pro Bono Project celebrated its 30th annual “Justice for All Ball” this year with a festive gala filled with nods to the New Orleans Tricentennial.
Held on the grounds of the Audubon Zoological Gardens in the Odenheimer Pavillion, the Merry Antoinettes greeted Patron Party guests as they walked along a path illuminated by fleur-de-lis color boxes in purple, green and gold. Two large Blaine Kern Mardi Gras Jesters emblazoned with golden “30s” stood at the entrance.
Pigeon Catering provided a menu featuring Louisiana flair and specialty cocktail – the French 300 – celebrated the city’s Tricentennial. Songstress Nayo Jones covered songs from the 1930s through today.
The evening’s emcee, Mark Romig, gathered the crowd for a thank you program for Honorary Chair Calvin C. Fayard Jr., who was presented with an engraved bowl courtesy of Adler’s by Co-Chairs Sharonda Williams and Kevin Colomb, and incoming 2019 Committee Chair Nadège A. Assalé.
At the gala, guests were treated to The Big 30 Old-Fashioned specialty cocktail, created in honor of Calvin C. Fayard Jr.’s favorite cocktail. More than 20 food and beverage providers, along with Audubon Catering, provided cocktails and cuisine. A special video tribute to 30 groupings who have been important to the success of The Pro Bono Project and the ball played outside the Queen’s Room, where an audio and video booth captured stories from guests who wished to share their memories.
The live auction, featuring six items, was a huge success; this year’s biggest item was the “NCIS: New Orleans” Behind The Scenes Tour. The silent auction tables showcased more than 40 items donated by area businesses and individuals, including the addition of a “bucket-list” travel adventures section provided by AmFund and more than 30 raffle packages.
Event at a Glance
What: “Justice For All Ball,” benefiting The Pro Bono Project
When: Friday, October 5
Where: Audubon Tea Room
Robert Redfearn, incoming 2019 Ball Committee Chair Nadège A. Assalé and incoming 2019 Board Chair Chris Ralston
Van Robichaux, Judge Sarah S. Vance, Patrick Vance and Justin Woods
Bruce and Jackie Shreves and Bob Brickman
Sharika Mahdi, Phil Wittmann and Katie Lasky
Mark and Barbara Kaplinsky, Dana Douglas and Andy Black
