With the theme of Illuminating Futures, Son of a Saint put the focus on its mentees at its annual gala on Nov. 22.
Held at the Four Seasons Hotel, the nearly 600 guests enjoyed the night’s program, which featured powerful moments from mentees and alumni, including West Point graduate Miles Stewart.
Mike Hoss was the evening’s host, while the live auction was helmed by Brian Kish, president of The Emeril Lagasse Foundation.
Founded in 2011, Son of a Saint was established to address the challenges faced by fatherless boys in the Greater New Orleans area.
Under the leadership of founder and CEO Bivian “Sonny” Lee III, who was named one of St. Charles Avenue’s Activists of the Year in 2025, the organization is dedicated to transforming lives through mentorship, emotional support, life-skills development, exposure to constructive experiences and the formation of positive, lasting peer relationships.
The annual gathering, in addition to highlighting mentees’ stories, raises critical funds to support their mentorship, mental health services, academic support and comprehensive and long-term care.
The Son of a Saint Annual Gala is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year.
Event co-chairs were Rico and Kristin Alvendia.
Fun Fact: 2026 is Son of a Saint’s 15th anniversary year.
