The New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation Inc., held the Azucar Ball Saturday, Nov. 17, 2007 at 8 p.m. in the LaSalle Ballroom of the Hotel InterContinental (444 St. Charles Ave.)
This year the event’s theme was “La Joya Latina,” meaning “The Latin Jewel;” party invitations designed by Mario Villa reflected the theme with colorful jewel artwork.
Committee Chairmen included Melissa Meyers, chair, Luz Caputto, decorations, Cristina Fowler and Helen Flammer, food, Dagmar Vichot and Juan Barona, publicity, and Diana Madrigal as silent auction chair.
The event featured a patron party, held at 7:00 p.m., which featured food from Rio Mar and La Boca.
The strictly black-tie main event began at 8 p.m. Partygoers danced to the music of Julio y César and Rumba Buena, and enjoyed cuisine prepared by the InterContinental, Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse, Restaurant Lüke, and the Bourbon House.
The evening’s festivities also included a silent auction, with items for bid including Friend & Co. diamond earrings, artwork by Gustavo Duque, restaurant gift certificates and hotel stays.
Dr. Raoul Rodriguez, an orthopedic surgeon at Tulane, received the 2007 Galvez Cup, given for outstanding support of the Hispanic Community.
The event benefited the Foundation’s scholarship fund, which provides outstanding Hispanic students with scholarships to attend distinguished local high schools.