Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans annually honors the city’s Rising Stars, individuals under 40 who have displayed strong entrepreneurial skills with ethical and moral standards, and is a founder, co-founder, owner, co-owner or a key person of a growing entrepreneurial business at their “City Stars Soiree.” The 2016 Rising Stars are: Adam Biderman, owner of Company Burger, with Willow; Wesley Palmisano, president of Palmisano Group with wife Annie; Karl Senner, president of Karl Senner, LLC, with wife Bridget; Alon Shaya, executive chef and owner of Shaya, Domenica and Pizza Domenica, with wife Emily; Cleveland Spears III, president of Spears Group; and Dana Stumpf, CEO of Durr Heavy Construction with husband Kenny Farrell.
The theme, “Under the Big Top,” featured decorations by Sallie Uhl. JA BizTown and the courtyard “Big Top” were lit by Solomon Group. Vice President of Lee Michael’s Fine Jewelry Chad Berg served as Soiree Chair with Soiree Co-Chair Diedra Dias. Music was provided by the band Crazy Whiskey.
Twenty-three local restaurants provided a variety of their most loved dishes for the guests. Celebrate! by Windsor Court catered the passed hors d’oeuvres during the Patron Party. A specialty cocktail of Red Rum was provided by Cure.
A silent auction featured more than 75 items. New this year was the “Wheel of Chance,” which allowed guests to purchase a spin for $25 for a chance to win a variety of prizes.
For their support of Junior Achievement and their Presenting Sponsorship of the “City Stars Soiree,” Vince Giardina from the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust was presented a three-dimensional glass etching of JA BizTown City Hall, which bears the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust name.
EVENT AT A GLANCE
What: “City Stars Soiree,” benefiting Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans
When: Friday, October 7
Where: JA BizTown
