As a magazine that showcases nonprofit organizations, St. Charles Avenue was proud to host its annual “Activists of the Year” and “Unsung Hero” awards ceremony on Nov. 14. Held at Martin Lawrence Gallery, the party honored the “Activists of the Year” and “Unsung Heroes” from 2005 and 2006, as the reception for the 2005 had to be canceled due to Hurricane Katrina. The 2005 “Activists of the Year” are Fran Villere and Bill Goldring, “Unsung Hero” is Monica Ponoroff; the 2006 “Activists of the Year” are Barbara Bush and Dr. Stephen Hales, and the “Unsung Hero” is Gregory Ben Johnson. St. Charles Avenue’s executive editor Bev Church was the emcee, presenting each honoree with a glass sculpture by Maurice Alvarado. When not congratulating the honorees, guests could also dine on hors d’oeuvres courtesy of Joel’s catering and sip on libations from Republic Beverage.
The “Activists of the Year” are people who have through the years have volunteered their time and talent to organizations that benefit the New Orleans area. The “Unsung Hero” spotlights a person who is doing great things for the city, but hasn’t received the recognition he or she deserves. The person is on staff at a nonprofit organization or one that focuses its efforts on the community, and volunteers with other groups that benefit the community.
George Villere, Fran Villere, Nancy Hales and Dr. Stephen Hales
Ruthie Frierson, Barbara Bush, Carroll Suggs and Sybil Favrot
DevonPonoroff, Laura Ponoroff and Rebecca Fisher with (back row) LindsayPick, Paulette Ancar, Ana Harrison, Monica Ponoroff and LawrencePonoroff
Gregory Ben Johnson, Barbara Johnson and Chris Johnson
Linda Gray, Amalie Murphy and Kathleen Freeman
St. Charles Avenue executive editor Bev Church, Maurice Alvarado and Sue Strachan
