NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Son of a Saint will host its fundraising gala on Friday, Nov. 1, at 7 p.m. in partnership with the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans. The seventh annual event raises funds to support the nonprofit’s myriad programming events, providing holistic mentorship to dozens of young men throughout New Orleans.
Attendees will be welcomed with a patron cocktail party presented by Moët and Link Stryjewski Foundation, preceding the main event at 6 p.m. Gala guests will then enjoy musical entertainment, as well as a silent auction, a three-course dinner, and an open bar. As Son of a Saint continues its crucial work of enhancing the lives of 100 fatherless young men in the New Orleans area — its highest mentee enrollment numbers to date — all proceeds support this core mission.
River Rock Stone Works serves as this year’s presenting benefactor gala sponsor. Through generous in-kind sponsorship, Wink Design & Events will provide the décor in collaboration with Luminous Events, Herbivore, and Brown Forman. Four Son of a Saint mentees will emcee the evening, with Mark Romig providing commentary. Other Marquee Sponsors and top event donors include: Jones Walker; King & Jurgens; RYCARS Construction; Advantage Capital; Goss Advisors; and Latter & Blum.
The jazz-styled afterparty follows from 10:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. inside the hotel’s M Bistro connected to The Davenport Lounge, highly regarded as one of the Crescent City’s premier live music venues. All gala attendees will receive complimentary entry and access to the premium open bar, enjoying entertainment by DJ RQ Away. Son of a Saint has made limited afterparty tickets available online for $45.
“This is our second year hosting our signature event with Ritz-Carlton, and we couldn’t be prouder to continue this partnership,” says Son of a Saint Founder and President Bivian “Sonny” Lee III. “2019 brought momentous growth for us. We’ve been fortunate to continue our growth and share successes beside our dedicated partners. Each year, this gala is our greatest fundraising event, offering the opportunity to acknowledge our boys and the talented individuals and mentors who collectively fuel this organization. We would simply not exist without their support.”
The organization has increased its class of mentees from 10 boys in its inaugural year to its current slate of 100 young men — marking a tenfold increase in just eight years. Son of a Saint holistically sponsors youth between the ages of 10 and 18, providing mentorship; education; mental health services; travel experiences to expand horizons; and internship and service learning opportunities.
For more information about Son of a Saint and the 2019 gala, including sponsorship levels, committee members or event tickets, please visit www.sonofasaint.org or call (504) 561-7508. Individual gala tickets cost $350 and may be purchased online. Son of a Saint also welcomes other contributions which can be mailed to: 2803 Saint Philip St., New Orleans, LA 70119.
