St. Elizabeth’s Guild continues to support the well-being of the various children’s programs serviced by Catholic Charities, bolstered by proceeds from their “Volunteer Activists Awards Luncheon” presented by Angel Wings Foundation. This year’s program raised $80,000 for Padua House, St. John the Baptist Head Start, Cornerstone Kids, Isiah 43 and Therapeutic Family Services.
Master of Ceremonies was Mark Romig. Guild President Kathleen Robert introduced the Most Rev. Gregory M. Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans, who delivered the Invocation. Gayle Benson, Honorary Chair, praised the organization for their work. Irma Thomas sang the National Anthem.
The Volunteer Activists for 2019 each walked the runway as their biographies were read to the audience. The honorees were: Bebe Babst, Barra L. Bircher, Deborah and John Blancher, Elizabeth A. Boh, Celie Fraiche Clark, Gayle Leaumont Gaubert, Stacy Favre Pellerin, Erin Shea Stahnke, Paulette Stewart, Blanche M. Comiskey, Ronnie Kole, John P. Laborde and Sybil Haydel Morial.
Honoree Ronnie Kole played “Amazing Grace” on the piano after the procession. Entertainment followed by the Big Easy Boys, who sang pop songs from the 1960s. Shortly after, Dillard’s presented a fashionable and fun Style Show with models from the local community, including Marianite Sister Marjorie Hebert, President and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
There was a large auction with many bidders as well as a Parade of Prizes for guests to take chances on. A raffle for a three-night condo stay in Crested Butte, Colorado was well-received.
A Patron Party, held one hour before the regular luncheon, welcomed attendees with champagne and hors d’oeuvres as they mingled with the Honorees.
Event Chairs were Debbie Alciatore-Empey and Sonda Stacey.
Event at a Glance
What: “St. Elizabeth’s Guild Volunteer Activists Awards Luncheon,” benefiting St. Elizabeth’s Guild
When: Friday, September 27, 2019
Where: Hyatt Regency New Orleans
Honoree Stacy Favre Pellerin, Honoree Paulette Stewart and Cindy Paulin
Honorees Gayle Gaubert, Elizabeth Boh and Celie Fraiche Clark
