St. Elizabeth’s Guild marked its 53rd Annual Volunteer Activists Awards Luncheon by honoring those who give back to the New Orleans area.
Held May 2 in the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel, the event kicked off with a lively patron party, followed by a fashion show presented by Dillard’s, live entertainment, a silent auction and two raffles — one for a Southwest Airlines ticket and another for a coveted “Spirits Wagon” stocked with fine wines, liquors and festive accessories.
The highlight of the afternoon was the announcement of the extraordinary community activists: Jose Juan Bautista, Ph.D.; Jill and Scott Cabes; Colleen Keller Cloninger; Ronald H. Dawson Jr.; Robin Ockman Dykes; John E. Hevron, M.D.; Sueann Hanemann North; Judy Vicknair Quinilty; Sheila Meyers Schulz and Jessica Gordon Waguespack. The distinguished Hall of Fame honoree, recognized 25 years after her initial St. Elizabeth’s activist award, was Maria E. Winn.
Proceeds from the luncheon benefited Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans (CCANO) programs, including Padua House, Therapeutic Family Services and Homeless Services of CCANO (formerly called Bethlehem Housing).
Event co-chairs were Anita Hymel and Penny Baumer; Guild President was Lisa Baynham.
Fun Fact: St. Elizabeth’s Guild was founded in the early 1950’s by community leaders Mrs. George McGehee Browne, Mrs. Jacques P. de la Vergne, Mrs. Aynaud Hebert and Mrs. Valda Stowe.
