“Everybody is a Star” at the 2019 Blue Rose Ball, where 800 guests gathered at the Hyatt Regency for a sold-out gala to support the mission of ensuring every student with special educational needs is able to reach their potential at St. Michael Special School. This fundraiser allows the school to keep tuition affordable and to offer scholarships to those in need.
Guests were greeted at the Hyatt Regency Hotel with a step and repeat and live plants decorating the entrance. The Patron Party, held in the foyer, featured a Sazerac Old-Fashioned Bar and a performance by the Archbishop Rummel High School jazz band.
The candlelit ballroom glistened with stars and was accented with bright pink and orange florals. Stemless wine glasses hand-painted by St. Michael students decorated “King” Tables for Presenting Sponsors: Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust, Hyatt Regency New Orleans and WDSU Channel 6, as well as the Blue Rose Sponsors. Four Unplugged provided entertainment and had guests dancing until late into the night.
Mark Romig served as Master of Ceremonies. Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans, delivered the invocation. Romaine McCarthy gave principal remarks and introduced a video highlighting student education programs and social interaction opportunities.
Chef John Folse specially designed the dining menu, which featured corn and crab cappuccino, veal osso buco and blue velvet cake.
A wine pull offered guests a chance to win one of six bottles of wine ranging $25-$100. The wine glass raffle featured wine glasses decorated by St. Michael students; each purchase gave participants the opportunity to win a student-created clay leaf bowl tipped in gold leaf.
Almost 50 silent auction items offered sentimental prizes such as Star Batik Wing Back Chair, Fused Glass Modern Triptych, Reading Nooks and Decorated Child’s Wooden Chair all created by students, as well as front-row seats to the St. Michael Christmas Play.
A paddle raise by auctioneer Penny Mutz generated more than $65,000 donated to support the tuition, books, transportation and care of St. Michael School students. The live auction featured an autographed Drew Brees memorabilia package, a weekend getaway to a beautiful retreat in Hammond, Louisiana, a Vince Lombardi replica trophy and Jack Sutton jewelry.
Event at a Glance
What: “Blue Rose Ball,” benefiting St. Michael Special School
When: Saturday, September 28
Where: Hyatt Regency Hotel
Eddie and Lisa Corcoran with Selby and David Melius
Chairs Joanna and John Theriot and Lori Ourso Babin
Nancy and Kevin Colomb with Mim Glancey
Ricky Dantagnan and Principal Romaine McCarthy
Sam Mickal Solomon and Ashley Deshotels