On Friday, June 20, step into the spotlight at Generations Hall for a happening charity event that’s sure to rock New Orleans. Guests will delight during a night of fun, dining and dancing in support of the March of Dimes. Presented by New Orleans Magazine, the Spotlight on Success is an annual event that selects and honors outstanding single business professionals in the Greater New Orleans area. Hosted by Camille Whitworth and Roop Raj of WDSU-TV Channel 6, “Starry Night” is the theme for the event that organizers promise to be the party of the year. Attendees can dance all night to the music of the Bucktown All-Stars and taste fabulous food samplings from many of the city’s great restaurants, including Acme Oyster House, Semolina & Semolina Bistro Italia, Figaro’s, The Court of Two Sisters, The Flaming Torch, Aurora Catering, Rock-n-Sake, K & G Party Services and Catering,
P. F. Chang’s China Bistro and Nick’s Snoballs & Gelato. Patricia Besselman and Bryan Musso act as this year’s event co-chairs.
With the hope of raising $100,000 for the March of Dimes, the evening includes a Silent Auction of auction packages that Spotlight on Success honorees have put together through solicitations from friends and local businesses. Individual auction items are also available for bidding and all proceeds go toward funding March of Dimes programs.
Founded in 1938 by Franklin Roosevelt, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies and in 2003, launched a five-year, $75 million campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth.
Each year, more than 525,000 babies (1 in 8) are born too soon, some so small they can fit in the palm of a hand. Many of these babies must fight just to survive; others must struggle lifelong health problems. March of Dimes Division Director Pam Cooper says, “No one knows the causes of nearly half of all premature births and no one is working harder than the March of Dimes to find out.”
With the help and support of
the American people, the March of Dimes has saved the lives
of millions of babies over the past 64 years. Fundraising efforts like the Spotlight on Success offer the needed financial backing and ensure that March of Dimes continues its research, education and outreach programs.
Now in its 22nd year, Spotlight on Success is the March of Dimes’ second-biggest fundraising event in the New Orleans division. The 26 honorees at the Spotlight on Success were selected from a nominee pool of over 100 applications and Cooper says of them, “They are at the pulse of our community and are all outstanding individuals.”
The public is invited to don their cocktail attire and join the honorees as they celebrate while contributing to a good cause. Tickets are available through honorees or by calling the March of Dimes office at (504) 836-2087. Tickets are $60 in advance or $70 at the door. However, if one party isn’t enough, the March of Dimes will also offer its Patrons Only-Patron Party Saturday, June 14, from 7 to 10 p.m., at Michaul’s, 840 St. Charles Ave., in the “Le Bon Temp Hall.” The Patron Party will feature an open bar and buffet with a live band. Patron level begins at $125 per person, which also includes a ticket to the main event on June 20. Patron Tickets are available from the March of Dimes office by calling (504) 836-2087.
Tomoro Wilson
Jamie Bateman
Seth Bloom
Shannon Shelton
Julie Weber
Monica Scioneaux
Samuel Bourgeois
Louis Rodriguez
Chris Shirer
Katie Melancon
Kevin Casey
Danielle Treadaway
Charles C. Carlson
Aimee Arceneaux
Glenn W. Smith
Courtney Green
George Clark
Kristen Guarisco
James Lugwig Jr.
Stephanie BoatWright
Michael David Mitchel II
Not Pictured: Jennifer McMahon, Aaron Parola, Sean Petri, Copey Pulitzer, Josie Zeiger