Has it already been 50 years? The Preservation Resource Center has been such an integral part of the community that it seems like time has flown since it was founded, thereby ensuring the city’s historic character is preserved for today’s and future generations.
On May 17, the Preservation Resource Center’s 50th Anniversary Gala presented by Landis Construction celebrated this milestone at the Sazerac House. It was also an opportunity to recognize the dedicated preservationists who made the PRC’s work possible for the first 50 years. And in particular, the gala honored one of the important people who was responsible for making it the institution it is: PRC’s Emeritus Executive Director Patricia H. “Patty” Gay. Among the special honors bestowed upon Gay for her 34 years as the PRC’s executive director was a Key to the City, presented by City of New Orleans’ Director of Special Projects Bryon Cornelison.
The New Orleans City Council also issued a proclamation recognizing the PRC’s significant work over the past 50 years.
It wasn’t all ceremony at the gala, as there was music from Tailor Made Ensembles, which provided a rotating series of jazz combos on the third and fourth floors featuring singer Betty Shirley.
There was a silent auction with more than 40 packages and three raffles for a curated wine selection donated by the PRC board, a diamond pendant necklace from Béjé jewelers and an offshore fishing charter with Paradise Outfitters. The most popular Silent Auction package featured a French Quarter Dine Around donated by Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group.
Catering was provided by Pigeon Catering & Events and St. James Cheese Company. Honorary co-Chairs were Naydja and Adolph Bynum, Anne and Edmund Redd, and Laura and Sonny Shields.
Fun Fact: The PRC Holiday Home Tour is Dec. 14 & 15.
