We’re All Mad Here

It was certainly a morning for the whimsical and young at heart when the Women’s Guild of the New Orleans Opera Association held their annual Mad Hatter’s Luncheon. This year’s theme was “At the beach, at the beach, at Pontchartrain Beach”, which encouraged guests to let their creative sides show during the much-anticipated hat contest. More than 400 guests were in attendance to witness the Lewis Carroll-inspired Tea Party, a gathering of Jay Batt as the Mad Hatter, Rainey Mize as the March Hare, Charla Spalluto as the lovely Alice and Debbie Alciatore as the Queen of Hearts. During lunch at the Hilton Riverside New Orleans, Saks Fifth Avenue put on a fashion show featuring the covetable designs of St. John, Armani, Ralph Lauren and Lafayette 148 just to name a few. Peggy Laborde announced the winners, including Sarah Abrusley for Most Beautiful, Pat Kahn for Most Humorous and Gayle Batt for Most Original. The theme was showcased on all the tables, as Bryan Batt’s store Hazelnut created all the table toppers and autographed the beach-themed fabric. There were two silent auctions that day, one of a hats-only nature featuring a special design from Yvonne LaFleur. The other included goodies such as opera tickets, designer purses and sunglasses, silk cushions and a Ray Cole scarf. Event Committee co-chairs Brendy Reilly and Cathy Weinstein were in attendance, as were members Irene Klinger, Jackie Elliot, Anne Fusilier, Janie Kahn and Cherry Bordelon. All proceeds from the fun-filled luncheon will go toward the upcoming opera season.