Supporters of New Orleans’ iconic cemeteries flocked to the 26th annual “All Saints Soiree,” a 1920s-themed cocktail gala hosted by Save Our Cemeteries on November 10. The FNBC building housed the event, which was the best-attended in recent memory.
The initial patron party, chaired by Ann Heslin, included the Courtyard Kings, who brought the jazz age back to life. Edie Cagnolatti Charlton, Sarah Martzolf and Kelley Mitchell chaired the main soirée. Guests decked out in Lost Generation getups dined on food by Michael’s Catering to fuel up for a night of marathon dancing to the tunes of Ingrid Lucia. Swing dancers from Dance Quarter and the New Orleans Jitterbugs set the precedent for attendees to recreate the Roaring Twenties.
Lucky guests went home with silent auction items such as a signed Michalopoulos painting and “Reflections,” the winning photograph of the 2012 Cemeteryscape International Photography Competition.
The gala raised more money in 2012 than it had in the past three years, and the funds will support Save Our Cemeteries’ numerous restoration and education programs. The organization was created in 1974 in response to a threat to replace the wall vaults surrounding St. Louis Cemetery No. 2 with chain link fence. Since then, the organization has instated a popular tour program, funded improvements to cemeteries, and had a handful designated as historic sites. They are currently in the process of restoring 85 tombs in Lafayette Cemetery No. 1.
Event at a Glance
WHAT
“All Saints Soiree,” benefiting Save Our Cemeteries
WHEN
Saturday, November 10, 2012
WHERE
FNBC Building
