Social Circles
A Fashionable Fête
“Starstruck: A Fashion Odyssey” marqueed the annual Odyssey Ball at the New Orleans Museum of Art. It was presented by First Horizon and chaired by Elly and Merritt Lane and Permele and Garner Robinson. Three entertainment sources, Dr. Michael White Quartet, DJ Brice Nice and Rebirth Brass Band, provided the aural excitement, while “Fashioning America; Grit to Glamour,” the visual one (and the inspiration for the gala’s title). The exhibition by that name just closed at the museum.
Amethyst-colored lighting bathed the Freeport-McMoran Great Hall, where the quartet made music at the base of the staircase. Cranberry panels hung from the ceiling, as did huge reflective orbs. Silver, full-size mannequins; the ball’s logo projected in white lettering on the walls; and a massive floral piece dotted with roses and hydrangeas added more visuals to the black-tie event. Most of the women donned long gowns, many of them sparkly. White-covered lounge furniture offered comfort as guests enjoyed nibbling on passed hors d’oeuvres and sipped bubbly. The Café Courtyard, which was party-lively for almost four hours, showcased a casaracce pasta station and late-night bites. Elsewhere, sushi, short ribs, chicken saltimbocca and sweets beckoned. Sated with the Ralph Brennan Catering & Events food and the Sazerac libations, the fashionistas heeded the siren call of the silent auction.
Along with the above chaircouples, Kim and Thomas Henley and Jane and Rodney Steiner figured as individuals within the sponsoring Odysseans category and also on the ball committee of about six dozen. On the eve of the ball, Dennis and Jennifer Lauscha hosted the on-premises Odyssey Sponsor Party. Andre Feigler chairs the Young Fellows Committee, and Elizabeth Grimes, the NOMA Volunteer Committee, while Susan M. Taylor answers to the Montine McDaniel Freeman Director of NOMA, and Rob Steeg to immediate past president of the 39-person board. Most were sighted within the comely crowd.
As the revelry rolled, the sidereal scintillation infused the fun and “Starstruck” made its mark.
Ball Gowns and Blue Jeans
Take your sartorial pick! And scores obliged at the recent sold-out fundraiser for Eden Centers for Hope and Healing (of Eden House) that started with a patron party at the home of Mary Clare and Danny Conwill and moved to the main event at the nearby house of Carol and Al Bienvenu. Carol and Machele Payne (with John) chaired the bash that listed a committee of 38 women. The top sponsor category, Puttin on the Ritz, named Eden House New Orleans Board of Directors Founder and President Kara Van de Carr and spouse Daryl Bird, David Schulingkamp, and the family of Merrilee Kullman.
Among the legions contributing and credited were Carlisle Voelker, Beverly Church, Luis Colmenares, Anne Lloyd (Catering by Nolavore owner), Louis Pettinelli Entertainment, Ted Hefko and the Thousandaires, and Chris Roos and Louie Freeman, who cooked the Stone Creek Cattle-donated beef. Dr. Anita Raj beamed as the raffle winner and its package of fabulous items.
Board members included Peggy Babin Indest with David, Susie Allen with Richard, Courtney Freeman with Louie, the Rev. John Pitzer, Katherine Greene, Judge Joy Cossich Lobrano with Jay, and Bishop Marcelo Sanchez Sorondo. Also noted were Jennifer and Fred Heebe, Virginia Weinmann, Carroll Suggs, Kim and Neil Abramson, Mickey and Hillary Landry, Peggy and Jack Laborde, Frances and Calvin Fayard and scores more, who espouse the efforts of Eden Centers and its residential recovery program for human trafficking victims. They lassoed largesse.
Bureau of Governmental Research
The Acadia-Bissonet Ballroom of the New Orleans Marriott was filled on a Friday for the BGR annual luncheon sponsored by Hancock Whitney and Luzianne Tea, which featured as guest speaker Dr. Richard Haass, veteran diplomat and scholar. His presentation, part of BGR’s Janet Howard Speaker Series in Governmental Research, focused on the essential themes from his book, “The Bill of Obligations: The Ten Habits of Good Citizens.” He is concerned about this country’s polarization and lack of committed citizenship.
Further headliners were board chair H. Merritt Lane III and immediate predecessor Norma Grace; officers Steven W. Usdin, Anne P. Baňos, Louis M. Freeman Jr. (Louie), Blake J. Stanfill and Christine Albert; and BGR President and CEO Rebecca Mowbray. Dozens attended from the current and honorary boards, as well as BGR membership. All enjoyed Green Goddess salad, chicken picatta, and delish Mississippi mud pie.
Noted too were Bo Reily IV, John Georges, Anne and King Milling, Dale Smith, Nick Mueller, Elly (Mrs. Merritt) Lane, Harry Blumenthal and Murray Pitts, Mark and Mindy Mayer, Graham Ralston, Ben Dupuy, Scott Willis, David Guidry, Lamar Villere, Ileana Ledet, Jennifer Roberts, Ronald McClain, Susan Gundlach, John Koerner, Liz Hefler, and Eric Hoffman.
A Fine, Wine Time!
Beaujolais Nouveau Day is celebrated annually and globally on the third Thursday of November and, by law, cannot be released until 12:01 a.m. Fans of the fresh wine wait with ready glasses.
For decades, the French-American Chamber of Commerce-Gulf Coast has rallied members and “amis” for the occasion. With owner David Villarrubbia on hand, FACC-GC just made vinously merry at the Degas House. For 2023, Georges Duboeuf via Quintessential Wines provided the Beaujolais Nouveau and Fleur de La Imports added more from Bordeaux. Food was plentiful and enjoyed by FACC-GC President Eric Belin, French Consul General Rodolph Sambou and scores more, who second-lined and boogied outdoors with nocturnal glee to the sounds of James Andrews and the Crescent City Allstars.