The New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation hosted its 16th annual “Azúcar Ball” at the Hotel InterContinental on Nov. 11. The theme of the evening was “Nueva Orleans Renace” which is translated to “New Orleans Rises.” It was nostalgic and fun, with remembrance of times past as well as an optimistic look towards the future. The more than 500 guests clad in black-tie attire were entertained by non-stop music courtesy of Julio y Cesar and AshéSon. A patron party began the festivities at 7 p.m. It was catered by Rio Mar, which served a variety of seafood delicacies, and La Boca, which offered Serrano ham, beef and arepa skewers. The hotel, along with Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse, catered the ball. Additional restaurants included Liborio’s Cuban Restaurant, Bombay Club, Churro’s Café and Taqueria Corona. Adorning the tables, which were decorated by Martha Castillo and Luz Caputto, were tall arrangements of bird-of-paradise flowers with painted gold ginger leaves. Auction items included original artwork by Maria Page (who also designed the invitations), an 18th-century tapestry pillow from Karla Katz Antiques, jewelry by Friend & Co., art by Gustavo Duque and Elsa Baker, plus a variety of gift certificates for clothing, restaurants and hotel stays.
During the party, Martin Gutierrez, the executive director of the Hispanic Apostolate for the New Orleans Archdiocese, received the Galvez Cup for his
outstanding contributions to the Hispanic community.
The Azúcar Ball raises money for the foundation’s scholarship fund, which
provides outstanding Hispanic students with scholarships to attend some of the
most prestigious high schools in the city.
Event chair Dina Boyle and Max Moreno
Martin Gutierrez and Elsa Baker
Maria Page, City Councilman Arnie Fielkow, Mayra Pineda and Dale Rathke
Helen Flammer with Dr. Bill and Melissa Meyers
Cesar Burgos, Dagmar Vichot and Gotardo Ortiz
Dr. Marilu O’Byrne, Dr. Collin Henderson and Silvia Fernandez