Coinciding with the King and Queen’s costume decree for members of their court to join them in celebrating the New Orleans Tricentennial, court members and attendees attired festively for Bridge House/Grace House’s 22nd annual “Cochon Cotillion.”
The ball honored King Bill Mimeles and Queen Betsie Gambel; each delivered remarks of recognition for the services Bridge House/Grace House has provided the community for more than 60 years.
Zea Rotisserie & Bar was featured at the Court and Patron Party, serving Pilled Pork Sliders and a DIY Grit Bar. Mike Morris and the Double-Step Cloggers performed and provided live entertainment. Guests received gifts upon arrival, including umbrellas, each uniquely decorated by the “Cochon Cotillion” Committee Members, along with printed napkins for the second-line entrance into the main event; champagne glasses with the King & Queen’s names on them for the champagne toast led by Bridge House/Grace House CEO Else Pedersen and Emcee Bruce Katz; and LED light up beads with the “Cochon Cotillion XXI” logo in purple, green and gold.
As the doors opened and guests began arriving, dancers from Muggivan School of Irish Dance performed. The Double-Step Cloggers and the King and Queen led a second-line entrance into the ballroom, followed by the Court and Patron Party guests and dancers. The Pussyfooters also performed during the band’s set break.
Event Chairs were Arlene Rome, Tiffany Truxillo and Rosemary Tunstall.
Thirty local restaurants provided dishes such as pork belly tacos from Gulf Tacos, corn and crab bisque from Bourbon House and peppermint ice cream sundaes from Cold Stone Creamery. The ELS Show Band performed in the main ballroom and Mike Morris continued to perform in the Bienville Room.
A raffle prize for a three-night all-inclusive stay at AMResort’s Breathless Punta Cana was awarded in addition to 50 silent auction packages available for bidding.
Event at a Glance
What: “Cochon Cotillion XXII,” benefiting Bridge House / Grace House
When: Tuesday, March 6
Where: Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World
Co-Chairs Arlene Rome, Rosemary Tunstall and Tiffany Truxillo
CEO Else Pedersen, Executive Director of Development Kevin Gardere and Executive Director of Clinical Services Michelle Gaiennie Hamrick
