The Women’s Guild of the New Orleans Opera Association hosted its 37th annual “Mad Hatter’s Luncheon and Fashion Show” May 25, 2021. Kay Oplinger served as Event Chair for this year’s program. Event chairs from the COVID-canceled 2019 event were Valerie Grubb and Sandra Herman.
To create the theme, “Around the World With the Mad Hatter,” beautiful hot air balloons filled the Patron Party, while guests enjoyed champagne and passed hors d’oeuvres as Jeffrey Pounds performed on piano. At the luncheon, attendees dined on cuisine by Metairie Country Club.
Tables lined with festive hats and exciting auction items stretched down the corridor leading to the ballroom for the luncheon. The auction consisted of beautiful hats, dinners, gift certificates, spa products and more. Prized highlights included a raffle for a condo stay in Florida and a 14 karat gold Diamond Circular Pendant donated by Diamonds Direct.
The hat competition with celebrity judges is a highlight guests look forward to each year. Valerie Grubb was this year’s winner. The 2021 hat competition’s list of celebrated judges included: the Consul General of France, Vincent Sciama; former Honorary Consul of Italy, Arnaldo Partesotti; and Opera donor and aficionado, Rania Khodr.
Ballins LTD provided a fashion show for the attendees, with professional models showcasing current fashions.
Next year’s “Mad Hatter’s Luncheon and Fashion Show,” themed “Take a Walk on the Wild Side,” will take place March 29, 2022, at the Metairie Country Club.
Event At A Glance
What: “Mad Hatters Luncheon and Fashion Show,” benefiting The Women’s Guild of the New Orleans Opera Association
When: Tuesday, May 25
Where: Metairie Country Club