To Inspire and Desire

Stella and Stanley may not have made it to the party, but there were plenty of revelers and supporters in their place when the Young Leadership Council held their Streetcar Soiree. The nonprofit group behind the colorfully decorated mini-streetcars that have popped up around town hosted their auction at the Hilton Riverside Hotel on Saturday, May 16, in recognition of their Streetcar Named Inspire program. Up for auction were 17 artist-designed and created streetcars, along with artist-signed posters, coffee table books, street banners and 40 “garden-sized” streetcars. Kermit Ruffins provided entertainment for guests. At the patron party held earlier in the evening, lucky guests got a sneak peek at the goods, along with a special gift from Absolute Vodka and $100 auction credit. Rob Nelson of WWL-TV played host end emcee for the live auction. In attendance were YLC staffers Amy Boyle Collins, Shon Cowan, Caroline Bronaugh and Vera Lester, as well as Streetcar Names Inspire volunteers Mike Atwater, Masa Song, Matt King and Nene Glenn. Proceeds from the event and well as profits from the Streetcar Named Inspire project benefit a seed fund created by the nonprofit to create a public art space at Basin and Canal streets.