Guests gathered to celebrate the myriad arts, culture and educational experiences across the globe that WYES brings into our homes at The Worlds of Hemingway Gala presented by the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust. Proceeds from this event support the WYES mission of providing educational, entertaining and enlightening programming to Greater New Orleans, Southeast Louisiana and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Partygoers enthusiastically embraced the theme by dressing for their favorite Hemingway locales or cocktail attire at this multi-generational affair. The Patron Party offered the opportunity to sit for a caricature artist and partake in passed hors d’oeuvres and libations courtesy of Sazerac Company, Crescent Crown Distributing and Bizou Wines. Throughout the evening, patrons could avail themselves to the full bars for their preferred libation, including wine, champagne and the specialty cocktail — the “Hemingway Daiquiri.”
A large replica of the Eiffel Tower stood at the gala entrance, with draped string lights evoking a street scene vibe inside the main pavilion of the WYES Paulette and Frank Stewart Innovation Center for Educational Media. The gala decor evoked some of Hemingway’s favorite places — France, Spain, Cuba, Key West, and Africa, which was also reflected in themed cuisine stations provided by Celebrate! Catered Events by Windsor Court.
Entertainment sponsored by LCI Workers’ Comp featured the popular band, The Boogie Men, who drew partygoers to groove on the dance floor.
An online auction sponsored by The Orpheum, with items on display at the gala, enticed attendees to bid on numerous trips, jewelry, food and wine experiences, memorabilia, holiday items, health and beauty packages and more.
Amanda and Ryan Berger, Jennifer and Fred Heebe and Lori and Bobby Savoie served as event co-chairs.
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Event At A Glance
What: The Worlds of Hemingway Gala presented by Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust benefiting WYES
When: Friday, November 19, 2021
Where: WYES Paulette and Frank Stewart Innovation Center for Educational Media (Broadcasted on Fox8)
Fred Heebe, Jennifer Heebe, Lori Savoie, Amanda Berger, Ryan Berger
Paulette Stewart, Frank Stewart, Robin Cooper
Jimmy Gundlach, Susan Gundlach, Susu Stall
Tony Adams, Ben Dupuy, Tommy Westervelt
Lisa Lapeyre, Philip Lapeyre, Bobby Bories, Robert LeBreton, Bridget Bories
Len Aucoin, Dennis Jack, Jr., Mallory Ford
