The Louisiana Children’s Museum opened its big blue doors for the 20th and last “CHAIRish the Children” on Julia Street, Saturday, August 25.
More than 600 “Chairished” guests enjoyed a fun and festive evening of gourmet cuisine from more than 20 local restaurants, signature spirits, fabulous auction packages, one-of-a-kind chairs and sultry music by The Jenn Howard Band.
Glittering moons and stars decorated the space in the museum’s colors of red, blue and yellow. Watercolor “bubbles,” created by artist Katie Rafferty from iconic museum photos, floated above partygoers’ heads. A Founders Memories wall with vintage photos, Founder quotes and a special video presentation graced the outside of LCM’s signature “Logo House” in the atrium.
As a special part of this evening, LCM honored the Founding Board Members who helped start the Museum 32 years ago. The families of the Founding Board Members (The Founding Families Circle) were the presenting sponsors. Hunter Pierson and Allison Berger Tiller served as Founding Families Co-Chairs.
“CHAIRish the Children” featured more than 250 auction packages with trips, art, jewelry, local attractions, restaurants and one-of-a-kind chairs. As a special part of the event, LCM also auctioned museum artwork, experiences and select exhibit items, including LCM’s iconic “Mr. Bones.” Partygoers who entered the $2,500 Lee Michael’s Fine Jewelry shopping spree raffle sipped their cocktails from colorful, blinking cups.
The event would not have been possible without “CHAIRish the Children” Event Co-Chairs Kaylea and Hunter Hill and Sheldon and Michael Schmidt; Patron Party Chair Jessie Schott Haynes; Decorations Co-Chairs Emily Forrester and Aja Mipro; Auction Co-Chairs Cameron Adams, Emily Carrere, Dawn Fowler and Betsy T. Laborde; Restaurant Co-Chairs Katie and Eric Hoffman; and many generous sponsors, donors and guests.
Event at a Glance
What: 20th annual “CHAIRish the Children,” benefiting Louisiana Children’s Museum
When: Saturday, August 25
Where: Louisiana Children’s Museum
Co-Chairs Michael and Sheldon Schmidt with Chad Berg
Co-Chairs Kaylea and Hunter Hill with Founding Families Co-Chair Allison Berger Tiller
Decorations Co-Chair Emily Forrester, Board Member Scott Zander and Patron Party Chair Jessie Schott Haynes
Auction Co-Chairs Cameron Adams, Emily Carrere, Betsy T. Laborde and Dawn Fowler
Founder- Mahlon Sanford, Linetta J. Gilbert, Jack Blitch and John Williams
