A stunning display of color, flowers and greenery surrounded the second annual “Heart of the Park Hat Luncheon” presented by IBERIABANK, in City Park, from the outdoor lush scenery to the fashion-forward headpieces.
Guests were encouraged to boldly decorate hats and fascinators to welcome the start of spring. Elaborate designs incorporated fresh flowers and greenery, with standouts including a hat adorned with a majestic oak tree and another decorated with a golf course theme. Caroline Reily helped many attendees come up with creative and daring designs.
Creatively decorated golf carts shuttled guests to the Patron Party at Popp Fountain, driven by gentlemen donning boater hats and navy sport coats. The St. Augustine Band entertained the more than 400 guests enjoying the outdoor ambiance and sipping Moët champagne.
Following the reception, guests second-lined into the Arbor Room, where palm fronds and Bahama-themed floral arrangements coupled with the spring hat decor brought the outside into the luncheon portion of the program. Guests dined on a lunch of cold cucumber soup, lobster salad and fresh strawberry shortcake.
Pamela Pipes, dressed as an oak tree, sold cypress and oak trees – also utilized as décor – to be planted in City Park.
Seven auction items elicited lively bidding from the crowd, a highlight of which was a painting by Ashley Longshore. Other paintings were offered by Hunt Slonem, David Harouni, Avery Rowan, Mac Ball and an Alex Harvie painting of the party, as well as a Cal-a-Vie spa trip donated by Terri and John Havens.
Event Chairs were New Orleans Town Gardeners Tina Kern and Cathy Cary, as well as City Park representative Margo DuBos. Decoration Chairs were Virginia and Michael White and Barbara Rosenberg. Patron Sponsor Chairs were Beverly Church, Barbara Bush and Anne Milling.
“Heart of the Park” supports the management and protection of City Park’s mature live oak trees, the largest stand in the world, as well as community projects of the New Orleans Town Gardeners including Grow Dat Youth Farm and the Edible Schoolyard.
Event at a Glance
What: Second annual “Heart of the Park Hat Luncheon” presented by IBERIABANK, benefiting New Orleans Town Gardeners and Friends of City Park
When: Thursday, April 11
Where: City Park (Popp Fountain and Arbor Room)
Flower Co-Chair Virginia White, President of New Orleans Town Gardners Catherine Freeman and Flower Co-Chair Barbara Rosenberg
Event Co-Chair and Auctioneer Margo DuBos with Auction Chair Juli Miller Hart (looking on)
Daryl Byrd CEO of Presenting Sponsor IberiaBank and Kara Van de Carr
(Left side front to back) Ella Bright, Jane White, Havens Cary, Zana Georges, Elizabeth Lyons Reily and (right side front to back) Betsy Fortin, Fitz Kern, Grace Catherine Cary and Michael White
Peggy Laborde, Ashley Bright and Ethel Clay (Photo by Jeff Strout)
