St. Elizabeth’s Guild celebrated its 54th Annual Volunteer Activists Awards Luncheon April 10 at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel.
“We chose the theme of ‘Soar High With God’s Strength,” emphasizing the importance of the shared Catholic faith of the guild membership and the reliance upon God for enduring life’s challenges,” said guild co-presidents Erin Stahnke and Julie Vanderbrook.
The 2026 cohort included 10 volunteers recognized by the guild for the first time, along with two Hall of Fame honorees who were previously celebrated.
The 2026 activists were: Mason G. Couvillon; Jane Heidingsfelder; Nancy Iovino, R.N.; Dr. Thomas Kennedy; Tricia Stella Lincoln; Rhesa Ortique McDonald; Dr. Bennie Nobles; Cynthia Pazos; Karen Fox Pilié and Mark John Spansel.
The Hall of Fame honorees were Jack Dardis and William Claiborne Perrilliat Jr.
The festivities kicked off with a patron party featuring entertainment by Bobby Ohler, followed by a silent auction and two raffles.
Keeping the luncheon lively was the always-entertaining Big Easy Boys, who provided the afternoon’s musical entertainment.
Proceeds from the 2026 luncheon will go to support the following programs: Padua House, Therapeutic Family Services, and Homeless Services of CCANO (formerly called Bethlehem Housing).
Event co-chairs were Anita Hymel, Ana Eller and Angela Riviere.
Fun Fact: Several members, including several honorees, were dancing in the aisles to the music of The Big Easy Boys when they performed at the event.
