Fall and All
Centennial
The Greater New Orleans Foundation held its Centennial Gala at the Orpheum Theater with “Celebrate 100 Years” as the marquee and “Dreamers” as the theme. It was presented by Hancock Whitney and amassed hundreds. Tapestry Linens & Décor, The Plant Gallery and Pop Nola, LLC, in turn, did the table embellishments, the centerpieces, and the historical timeline. Vegas Cola created the musical momentum.
David Barksdale, Greater New Orleans Foundation board chair, opened the program at 7:50 with a welcome, saying how deeply he appreciated the opportunity to serve. He asked all GNOF board members, as well as the former chairs, to stand. He then recognized Elizabeth B. “Liz” Hefler, Greater New Orleans Regional President of Hancock Whitney Bank, thanking her “for all she does in this community.” She expressed her delight about being there, stressed the idea of giving back, and congratulated GNOF for 100 years, adding “We are all looking forward to the next 100 years.”
Above the stage, and projected on a huge screen, a brief history of the organization was shown. Organized in 1923 as the Community Chest of New Orleans, it became the Greater New Orleans Foundation, as it is known today. Among those speaking on the video were Margaret Epstein, Phyllis Taylor, Kim Boyle, and Andy Kopplin, GNOF president and CEO. He next appeared in person, addressing the crowd saying, “We aim to be the drivers of dreams for this city and region. We are all dreamers.” Several people he cited as such were Leah Chase, Dr. Norman Francis, the Robert Boh family, Roger Ogden, Henry Bernstein and the late Jerry W. Zachary, Leila Matthew, Ludovico Feoli and Stephanie of the Zemurray Foundation, Paulette and Frank Stewart, Gayle Benson, and Boysie and Joy Bollinger. Most were present.
To conclude the formalities, president Kopplin introduced GNOF Capital Campaign Chair Christian T. “Christy” Brown, who praised Kopplin’s leadership, recognized the role of the foundation in bringing people together, stated three important goals, and thanked Hancock Whitney and everyone there.
Before and after the program, the Centennial crowd relished the cuisine of Arnaud’s, Dooky Chase’s Restaurant & Chapter IV, Galatoire’s, Luke, and Nolavore. In addition to the above attendees, social rounds were made by Robert Schneckenburger, Judy Reese Morse, Walt Leger III, Ana and son Alex Gershanik, Deanna Rodriguez, Merritt Lane III, John and Amy Haspel, Hilton Bell and Madeleine Crawford, Wayne J. Lee, Anne and King Milling, Robert and Ann Boh, Hannah and Corey Day, Leann O. Moses, Henry Lambert and Carey Bond, Bobby Bories, Bryan Batt and Tom Cianfichi, Keith and Luanne Liederman, George and Lauren Brower, and dozens more for whom giving is a gift.
Elysian Fields Forever
Brother Martin High School, which is located on Elysian Fields Avenue, used the street address to title the fundraiser presented by Hancock Whitney. It was promoted by “Bag of Donuts — Entertainment, Dining, Dancing, Auction, Mark Romig ’74 — Emcee (and) Cocktail Attire.” Each facet was rendered and enjoyed by the 500-plus school parents, alumni, faculty and friends.
Patrons gathered for an hour before the three-hour main event. Patrons of the Crest were Orleans Capital Management Corp. and Renée and Hank Eiserloh ’84. He was the 2015 Alumnus of the Year. Those of the Shield were Erin and Joseph Caruso ’79 (2018 Alumnus of the Year), Coca-Cola, Christine and Milton Dureau Jr. CJ ’69 (2019 Alumnus of the Year, and current alumni board president), Pigeon Catering, and Schiro’s School Time.
A French Quarter look transformed the premises, thanks to a themed courtyard with plenty of string lights, greenery, and even a gold-painted mime. Tables were filled with a variety of centerpieces, including working streetlights, second-line umbrellas, and gold musical instruments. The stage area in the Robert M. Conlin Gymnasium featured large block letters spelling out “Elysian Fields Forever” with dual screens highlighting the sponsors and a large light-up “NOLA” sign.
Catering for the patron party was Pigeon Catering (Dean G. Pigeon ’06) with chargrilled oysters and Brother Martin Culinary Crusaders’ Eggplant Napoleon, and Vance Vaucresson ’87 with sausage skewers. At the main event, Pigeon’s purveyance included a carving station, pasta bar, and mini po-boys and muffulettas.
The main event began with Brother Martin President Greg Rando ’77 (attending with wife Bonnie) welcoming the guests and thanking them for their support. Auction action took two forms, silent with more than 200 items, and live with seven. Two of the latter were an at-home dinner prepared by chef Scot Craig ’80 (of Katie’s Restaurant) and a Krewe of Orpheus parade ride and the Orpheuscapade. Kraig de Lanzac ’86 (2022 Alumnus of the Year and joined by wife Rhen) purchased the dinner, and Erica DeFelice, the parade ride.
Additionally, there were raffle items and their winners. Anthony Arnolie ’81 won the 50/50 Raffle; Tara Wimberley, $5,000 Cash; and Nick Karl ’98, the Blanton’s Bourbon Raffle.
Further notables, and there were many, included Elysian Fields Forever Committee Chairs Troy and Jennifer Fields and John and Julie Steigner, Brother Martin board chairman and 2010 Alumnus of the Year David Gallo ’77 with Jeanne, and Parents Club president Chris Laiche ’90 with spouse Nicole. From the school came Ryan Gallagher ’00 with Kristen, and Kenny Spellman ’84. The Brothers of the Sacred Heart found representation in John Devlin (director of schools for the Province of the U.S.) with spouse Jan Lancaster, Brother Ronald Hingle, S.C., and Brother Ivy LeBlanc, S.C.
Before Kenny Spellman’s concluding words, Bag of Donuts, one of the dozen Gold Sponsors, fed the Fields flock a musical menu of pop and rock.
Tea Time
Afternoon tea in the Windsor Court Hotel’s Le Salon set the stage for a gathering of Original Illinois Club debutantes of the season. Hailed were Maegan Elizabeth Haynes, Layla Callie Jackson, Chase Hope Hardon, Samari Deon Harris, U’Nique Ashanti Allen, Chloe Nicole Carter, Zoe Maria Simien, and Lauryn Grace-Marie Williams. The occasion was a “New Orleans Culture & More” outing as part of their celebrated year.
The debutantes sipped specialty non-alcoholic cocktails and a selection of teas as they enjoyed tea sandwiches of several types, scones and decadent desserts. Fall décor added to the atmosphere, as did Le Salon’s lush greenery and, in the background, piano music. Elegance prevailed.
Joining the distaff ensemble were OIC President Darren Patin, debutante committee chairman Otis Gowdy Jr., and debutante coordinators Bettye Johnston, Marion Maheia and Shelita Cannon-Hoey.