When the heat reaches this level (heat index of 110 yesterday!) I find myself looking forward to September and the ever-growing tsunami of charitable events that begin as the weather cools.
Once every four months (January, May and September), St. Charles Avenue magazine compiles and prints its “Registry of Charitable Events.” Though we know we cannot gather all of the nonprofit events that occur in New Orleans, we do print most of them.
As of today (and live on MyNewOrleans.com as of Saturday, Sept. 1), our September issue will include more than 50 events within four months and I, for one, cannot wait.
If you haven’t submitted your cause’s event and would like it included in St. Charles Avenue’s “Registry of Charitable Events for September through December 2012,” please visit and fill out the registration form as completely as possible by end of day Wednesday, Aug. 1.
Below are eight events that I’m excited to attend, and all before Halloween!
(event write-ups by Gabrielle Bethancourt)
September 14
Scales & Ales
Benefits: Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
Event Info: The third annual Scales & Ales is presented by Louisiana Seafood and will include wine, beer and delicious cuisine from great local restaurants. Guests will also enjoy live music and exciting raffle prizes while strolling through the Aquarium and onto the plaza overlooking the Mississippi River.
Location: Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, 1 Canal St.
Tickets: $100 VIP Ticket; $55 General Admission Ticket
Contact: 861-5107
Morgan’s Note: Though I missed the first two years of this event, everyone I’ve spoken with who’s attended says this isn’t to be missed – so I won’t and you shouldn’t either
September 27-29
La Féte du Jardin
Benefits: St. Anthony’s Garden
Event Info: The event will celebrate the formal opening of St. Anthony’s Garden in the French Quarter (adjacent to the St. Louis Cathedral), which has been beautifully restored by French architect Louis Beneche. The Patron Party will be on September 27 with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at the George Rodrigue Gallery, followed by dinner at Matilda Stream’s home in the French Quarter. On September 29, there will be a jazz brunch at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel preceded with all food and beverages donated by local restaurants.
Location: George Rodrigue Gallery, 730 Royal St.; The home of Matilda Stream; Bourbon Orleans Hotel, 717 Orleans St.
Tickets: $200 per couple; call for more details
Contact: Sarah Dunbar 899-1905
Morgan’s Note: This event is one of the most eagerly anticipated of the year – a once-in-a-lifetime experience not to be missed.
September 28
LOVE In the Garden
Benefits: New Orleans Museum of Art
Event Info: The eighth annual LOVE in the Garden event is sure to provide an undeniably romantic setting. There will be delectable dining, an open bar and dancing under the stars and ancient oaks in the one-of-a-kind sculpture garden.
Location: Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden
Tickets: Patron Party: $100-$140; Garden Party: $60-$100
Contact: 658-4121
Morgan’s Note: While Odyssey Ball is the biggest and most opulent of NOMA’s yearly fundraisers, LOVE in the Garden is quickly becoming the hippest and most entertaining; what’s not to love about walking through the sculpture garden lit at night, listening to great music with lovely libations?
October 5
Louisiana Legends of Rock and Roll
Benefits: Louisiana Museum Foundation
Event Info: The entertainment for the night is Levi Kreis, a star of Broadway’s Tony Award-nominated Million Dollar Quartet, and his band who will transport party-goers back to the late 1950s with an electrifying concert, impersonating a young, hip and happening Jerry Lee Lewis.
Location: 400 Esplanade Ave.
Tickets: Patron Party: $250 for Louisiana Museum Foundation members, $300 for non-members; Main Party: $75 per person.
Contact: 558-0493; Tickets also available at TheLMF.org
Morgan’s Note: This event, which supports our state museum, is promising to be unforgettable; get there early to have your photo taken with a “legend.”
October 13
O What A Night
Benefits: Ogden Museum of Art
Event Info.: Enjoy an unforgettable evening of art, cuisine and music with a Southern flair. The gala will be honoring artist Lin Emery, recipient of this year’s Opus Award. Featuring music by Larry Braggs, the lead singer of Tower of Power, and food by James Beard Award-winning chefs Donald Link and Chris Hastings.
Location: Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St.
Tickets: $300 and up
Contact: 539-9616
Morgan’s Note: Not only is the Ogden a fantastic museum, it serves as the most amazing backdrop to an always-jumpin’ gala.
October 17
Key to the Cure
Benefits: Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium
Event Info: The Key to the Cure Kickoff Gala will be on Wednesday, October 17, followed by a weekend of charity shopping. Saks Fifth Avenue donates a percentage of their sales to the cancer research programs of the LCRC.
Location: Saks Fifth Avenue New Orleans
Tickets: $100
Contact: Gillian Stagg, 293-2618 or gstagg@nocci.com
Morgan’s Note: This kickoff gala whets your appetite for shopping at Saks with the added bonus of helping cancer research – what’s not to love?
October 19
Magic in the Moonlight
Benefits: New Orleans Botanical Garden Foundation
Event Info.: The third annual Magic in the Moonlight event invites you to enjoy music by Jeremy Davenport while dining on an al fresco sit-down dinner at the Botanical Garden. The four-course dinner will be held underneath the beautifully lit oaks of the garden. Dinner will be provided by Emeril’s Chef Chris Wilson with Chefs de Cuisine from Emeril’s, NOLA and Emeril’s Delmonico.
Location: New Orleans Botanical Garden
Tickets: $250 per person
Contact: 483-9386
Morgan’s Note: This gala’s inaugural year was the talk of the town for months; the beautiful (and fun) evening promises to be better than ever.
October 25
Parkway Partners 30th Anniversary Gala
Benefits: New Orleans Department of Parks and Parkways
Event Info.: Parkway Partners are celebrating their 30th birthday in style at a gala at the newly renovated Hyatt New Orleans. There will be a three-course dinner with wine, music, dancing, a silent and live auction and an awards ceremony. The ceremony will honor 30 outstanding community members who have worked to further the mission of Parkway Partners for the last 30 years.
Location: Hyatt Regency New Orleans
Tickets: $150 per ticket; $1500 per table
Contact: Jean Fahr, 620-2224, or jfahr@parkwayspartnersnola.org
Morgan’s Note: City Park has a special place in my heart, not only because my wedding was held there, but also because of all it gives and continues to inspire in New Orleanians; let’s give back to those who have given to us!
