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Tiki torches, raffles, pork and pineapples marked the first “Make A Splash” event at Kingsley House June 3. Proceeds benefited Kingsley House’s eight-week full-day Summer Camp, including repairs to the pool and programs such as Head Start, Adult Day Healthcare for seniors and Family Counseling Services.
Every summer more than 200 children from the New Orleans area attend the camp that has been without a pool since Hurricane Katrina. Constructed in the 1950s the historic Olympic-size pool hosted the first integrated swim area in the community.
Between 100 and 200 people, including honorary chair Wendell Pierce, attended the Tropical Fun themed soiree where there was a silent auction, festive food and music. Disney World passes, gift certificates to Cochon, Herbsaint and the Columns Hotel and a two-night stay at the lush Fairmount Washington D.C. rounded out the auction items.
An extravagant two-night stay at the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco, roundtrip airfare and $250 in spending money were awarded in a raffle drawing. Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse prepared island-inspired hors d’ouevres, and Palace Café and Bourbon House also supplied food. Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers, and Steel Drummer John Wooton provided the nighttime harmony. Sponsors included Whitney Bank, Glazer’s Companies of Louisiana, City Wholesale Liquor Company, Valero, Southern Eagle, Bellwether Technology Corporation, Covey Rise, Community Coffee, Natco, New Orleans Fish House, nola.com, and Strike It Green Props.
