Fabulous Fêtes

Living Proof!

One of the most exciting and riveting highlights of the recent party scene occurred midway through the New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation’s Azucar Ball in the Hyatt Regency Hotel when Dia de los Muertos celebrants paraded into the Empire Ballroom. The 2023 theme recognized Day of the Dead, a rich cultural celebration rooted in Mexican tradition and heritage. A small parade thrilled the appreciative crowd, who applauded the mariachis; the pink-orange-lilac decorated float; the dancers, who swirled their voluminous skirts; and the stilt walkers. Included were a skeleton-costumed walker and a female one, who sported a headband of roses, a black cinched corset effect with a frilly lace insert, a black-and-white miniskirt, and diaphanous “leggings” of a rosy color. Her face was painted white with skeletal accents, the traditional “look” of the festive day. The audience moved in synch to the music.

Pan American Life Insurance Group presented the fundraiser that benefits the nonprofit NOHHF, which promotes Hispanic culture through art, education, cuisine and music. Belinda Flores-Shinshillas is the executive director (and, as an artist, did the “Dia” altar) and Lauren Mastio, the president. George J. Fowler III answers to both vice president and president emeritus, and Alex Gershanik, vice president, scholarships. Additional officers are treasurer Max Moreno and secretary Heidi A. Kiesling. The ball, chaired by Mariana Hurtado Williamson, Alejandra Rosales and Claudia Maya Stevens, raised money for the foundation’s Scholarship Program. Yakelis Anzola, Tatiana Begault, Maria Bonilla, Marcela Correa, Eva Elias, Alejandra Fuertes-Andurand, Juan Gershanik, Harold Heno, Maria Leon Vallejo, Blanca Rosa Maldonado, Rachel Moring, Ashley Pradel, Claudia Shabetai, past ball chair and former NOHHF board chair Ileana Suquet, Ramon Vallejo, and the above Belinda, George and Heidi were committee chairs. Approximately three dozen people served on the committee. All rated thanks, as did Mayas Nuevo Latino, Javier Olondo & Asheson, Rumba Buena, DJ Felipe Estrada, Mariachi Jalisco, Ballet Folklorico Vive Mi Tierra, Carl Mack Presents, Royal Events, Dunn & Sonnier, the 15 food purveyors, the liquor sponsors, and the above Yakelis Anzola and Marcela Correa for the impressive 108-items auction that featured a diamond necklace donated by Friend & Company.

More top names were those of Deanna Rodriguez and Patricia Riddlebarger, both from Entergy. They were recipients of the prestigious Galvez Cup that recalls Don Bernardo de Galvez, Louisiana’s progressive governor during the Spanish governance period (1776-1783).

Noted, too, were representatives from the consular corps in Tony Genao, Dominican Republic; Ana Gabriela Lopez, Honduras; and Maria Page, Spain. Also, Steve Friedman (Pan-American Life Insurance) and spouse Bethany, Eric Jones, Leo Seoane, Patrick and Nga Quinlan, Slade M. Simons, Krystal Calix, Natalie Barnes, the John Redmanns, Elena Countiss, Luz and Sal Caputto, Esteban Gershanik, Mayra and Hector Pineda, Rosa Balaguer, Stephen Estrada, Veronica Lihn, Carl Ayestas, and dozens more, who raced to the dance floor. And never left.

Sparkle

“Diamonds” were coupled with “Denim” for the Mission Possible 2023 Gala of New Orleans Medical Mission Services, which took place in Generations Hall and lured legions with cocktails, dining, beautiful decorations, auctions (silent and live) and The Yat Pack. Patrons gathered for an hour before the 7-11 P.M. gala. During the patron party, Monsignor Andrew Taormina gave the invocation and Drs. R. Daniel Jacob and Thomas Kennedy, respective NOMMS president and medical director, emceed. Dr. Kennedy (joined by Mary) also presented Volunteer of the Year awards to Kathy Lopez and Paul Schmidtke for their exemplary service.

Jennifer Esler and Kristie McConnell teamed to chair the fun fundraiser and The Black-Tie Auctioneer Chuck Mutz got the going gone. The Larry and Marla Garvey Fund was the event’s naming sponsor, while Ralph and Christy Senner and First Horizon were the Platinum Sponsors.

Among the features of the bash were Snap and Sketch Photo Booth, a slide show by volunteer Joe Simon showing mission photos from 2022, food coordinated by Melissa Guidry and Hector Laines of Fleur De Lis Catering, 200 silent auction enticements, and a wine pull.

Noted, among the 300 or so, were the Dan Milhams, David Richards (North Carolina), Texan Lisa Tanzberger, Bridget and Karl Senner, Drs. Nina and Jeffery Mimbs, Tiffany and Luke DeLouise, Holly Pritchard, Nancy Iovino, and lots more, who heeded the call of the Yat Pack band and boogied to the beat.

All Hail!

The Touro Infirmary Foundation Judah Touro Society held its annual Award Dinner, honoring Paul Barron, at the Audubon Tea Room. The chaircouples were David (rabbi emeritus) and Shannie Goldsteiin, Stephen and Mara Kupperman, and Paul and Edie Rosenblum. Framing the laurels were a cocktail hour, music by Phil Rinaldi, Nick Benoit and Jackson Schaeffer, a seated dinner (starting with a salad and its delicious dressing) and personal and professional bonhomie.

Foundation board chair Tiffany Delcour opened the formalities with a welcome, Rabbi Goldstein gave the invocation, and Dr. Christopher Lege, chief medical officer, Touro, gave remarks and asked all former awardees to stand. A video, “Born to Care, Born to Give” followed.

After dinner, Stephen Kupperman presented the Judah Touro Society Award to Paul Barron, a dedicated Touro supporter for four decades. Under his leadership, “Touro purchased Woldenburg Village and undertook a $30 million renovation.” Other notable achievements are attributed to him.

Further names to know were foundation executive director Josh Friedman and manager Karen Louise Crain, along with the board’s Max Zwain, Zach Kupperman, Adrian Cohn, Stephanie Kaston, Freddy Kullman, William D. Norman Jr., Paul S. Rosenblum, Jeff Schwartz and Clay Smith. The Touro Infirmary Governing Board mastheads chair Jill Israel, vice chair Kim Boyle and officers Mara Baumgarten Force, Dr. Knight Worley, Manny Linares, and Dr. William von Almen. Ex-officio is Greg Feirn, CEO of LCMC Health. The latter’s board is chaired by Ruth Kullman with Ted LeClercq as vice chair and Dr. Stephen Hales as secretary/treasurer.

Countless others made the philanthropic scene — along with Dr. Elly Zakris, Dr. Todd Sitzman, Dr. Joan Cheng, and Dr. Sudhanva Wadgaonkav and Savita — and at the evening’s conclusion, queued up to congratulate honoree Barron.