What is usually known as the block party that shuts down the neutral ground from Napoleon Avenue from St. Charles Avenue to Prytania Street went virtual in 2020, broadcast live into the living rooms of guests and small watch parties to celebrate the third annual “Shuck Cancer,” in partnership with Superior Seafood and presented by Latter & Blum, for the American Cancer Society.
Twenty “Shucker” honorees who raised funds in support of the ACS’s lifesaving mission were highlighted: Louis Bartels, Fidelity Bank; Tony Rodrigue, Acme Oyster House; Sarah Worsley, Mint Julep Productions; Caitlin Carrere, Dependable Holding, LLC; Josh Reed, IBERIABANK; Dr. Andrew Oncale, Touro Infirmary Regional Radiology; Matthieu Robert, Fishman Haygood LLP; Rory Blossman, Latter & Blum; Lane Washburn, Reve Realtors; Mallory Robinson, Robinson Lumber; Dr. Suzy Kingston, Sprout Pediatrics; Mallory Kiser, Crane Rehab Center; Gillian Talbot, Engel & Voelkers; Griffin Lennox, Stirling Properties; Sara Brennan, Dickie Brennan & Co. Restaurant Group; Dr. Douglas Rodrigue, District Dental Spa; Nicole Kaitz, The Times-Picayune/New Orleans Advocate; Jesse Smith Thomas, New Orleans Saints & Pelicans; Matthew Stone, Stone Insurance; and Court Burlingame, Stall Investments.
Louis Bartels with Fidelity Bank was named Shucker of the Year, raising $19,722; Bartels won a Caribbean vacation and the opportunity to create and name a custom cocktail on Superior Seafood’s menu for a year.
The virtual event, hosted by WGNO’s Brooke Lazier and Scot Pilié, also featured an oyster demonstration with oysters from across the country, wine pairings, live music and an online silent auction.
More than 400 party boxes were distributed prior to the broadcast so guests could enjoy a premade batch cocktail, a bottle of wine, a voucher for a dozen oysters at Superior Seafood from the comfort of their own home.
A touching moment viewers will remember was a candid interview with colon cancer survivor and patient Gabriella Webber, who has directly benefited from the funds raised at last year’s “Shuck Cancer” event.
Sponsorship dollars support ACS’ “Access to Care” program which awards transportation grants to local health systems. These grants make a direct impact on individuals from our community, like Webber, who are battling cancer by providing them with much-needed transportation to treatment at no cost to them.
➺ Event at a Glance
What: “Shuck Cancer,” benefiting American Cancer Society
When: November 19, 2020
Where: Facebook Live
Lacey Merrick Conway and John Michael Rowland
Spencer Crane
Adam McDermott and Henry Heaton
Erin Heaton
