Glamour, Garb, Generosity
The sticker described the event: Styled for Success. It named the recent Dress for Success New Orleans luncheon, which honored the organization’s 25 years and named SUSCO ( Unleashing Human Potential with Enterprise Software ) as the event’s title sponsor. Cover the hobnobbing, chaired by Erin Primeaux and LaVerne Toombs, was the Hyatt Regency’s Empire Room— and it was packed. Thousands amassed in support of Dress for Success, which helps people “in work and in living” with a support system, professional clothes and “development instruments”. When returning to the workforce, some seek out DFSNO.
To welcome DFSNO’s gold celebration, the décor included floral decorations by Kim Starr Wise Floral Activities, Federico’s Florist and Winn Dixie, along with themed people by the decorations trio of Erin Primeaux and Andrea Gilich Roussel. Drs. Angelle Gelvin and Claire Melancon, along with Andrea, answered to auction and décor chairs. More than 100 silent auction items reaped$ 25, 000 + plus, with, as top sellers, Tree Masters services and chef Jason Goodenough‘s pasta- making class. Winner of the raffle Joanna McCay purchased diamond hoop earrings from Symmetry Jewelers.
The 2024 Empowerment Fashion Show, which featured looks from 10 stores and representative models, was presented by Aimée Gowland of ALG Style. Among the many applauding them as they enjoyed a luncheon of Louisiana lobster bisque, a Cobb salad and lemon tart were Gayle Benson, Arnold Baker, Neel and Dr. Rachana Sus, Liz Reyes, Steven Putt escorting Rachel Bernhard ( who, with husband Michael Bernhard, just bought an impressive Uptown home ), Tamica Lee, Rene Jolly, Rupa Jolly, Dr. Reena John, Sandra Herman, and countless others, such as DFSNO board president Sarah Martzoff ( who succeeded Nadine Brown ), vice president Arie Roth Kaller and executive director Lori Byargeon. All summed up the luncheon by its appellation: Success.
A While at an Isle
Loyola University’s St. Charles ballroom was abuzz with the excitement of” Island Nights”, Holy Name of Jesus School’s gala and auction, and its fabulous decorations. It was presented by Skobel’s School Uniforms. To create a tropical oasis, Roussel Outdoors provided live plants and Blaine Kern Studios, iconic floral decorations. Thematic centerpieces included silk orchids and fresh palmetto leaves.
For the gustatory complement, Loyola’s Sodexo Catering featured a menu of coconut and lime rice with pineapple- glazed chicken, and other enticements, including key lime pie. A specialized rum punch was served in white and pink island-themed cups with the Skobel logo.
Top bids were made for a Krewe of Orpheus guest membership and a ride for 2025 that Blaine Kern Studios donated, making the 108 items auction excitement come to mind. More activity was generated by the 50/50 Cash Raffle, along with the vacation raffle’s eight island packages. To thank the raffle purchasers, Plush Appeal provided glow necklaces.
All of that was made even more powerful by the beat. Thanks to the sounds of DJEynsteyn, the 256 attendees boogied” Island Nights” away.
Well Met
Amici, the volunteer organization for the ( New York City’s ) Metropolitan Opera’s Laffont Competition Gulf Coast Region, held a post- audition reception honoring the 2024 winners out of the 15 contestants. They performed in Roussel Hall, Loyola University. Three won first place: mezzo- soprano Tessa Fackelmann, and tenors Nathan Bowles and Eric Taylor. The last two and eight others from various regions advanced to the Grand Finals in New York. There were five Winners and five Finalists, including the above tenors Bowles and Taylor. Kudos abounded.
” The Laffont Competition began with 1, 500 singers. We are thrilled that three of our singers made it to the semi-finals and two of the Grand Finals,” said Melissa Gordon, co-chair of the Gulf Coast Region. Dwayne Littauer is the chairman. Some of today’s greatest singers got their start in the competition, including Lisette Oropesa, Bryan Hymel, Alfred Walker ( currently in” La Rondine” at The Met in New York ), Jamie Barton, and Renee Fleming.
In addition to Dwayne Littauer and Melissa Gordon ( joined by Bruce ), there were Amici President Claire Stahel and Susan Mitchell, district directors Rebeccka Coe and Joanne Mantis, chairman emerita Diane Dupin and Charles, and hospitality chaircouple Devie and A. J. Friedman. Also, Michelle and Kimball Schlafly, Phil and Eleanor Straub, Linda Ibert, Nora Wetzel, Rita Ward, Ellen McGlinchey, Judy and Elroy Eckhardt, Jackie Gamble, Astra Thibodaux, and Bette Marks. Amici, all!
Ditta Dinner
The University of Holy Cross extends its gratitude to Rose Grilletta and Joseph” Jay” Carlo Ditta for the scholarship they established and continue to do through their kin and kith. At the invitation of the Ditta family and president of the university, Stanton F. McNeely, a dinner was recently held at the Southern Yacht Club to benefit The Rose Grilletta and Joseph” Jay” Carlo Dita Scholarship.
The Rev. Eugene Jacques gave the grace, Pamela Lopez did the attractive centerpieces, the auction included as the top item, Emeril’s Dining Experience, with Adam Guillory as the purchaser, the Matt Johnson Trio served up jazzy notes, and the yacht club’s menu included a wedge salad, turtle soup, and filet. Swiss Confectionary provided the cake, which was enjoyed by Kolette Mandina Ditta and Joseph Ditta, Marianites of Holy Cross Congregational Leader Sister Ann Lacour, MSC, Todd and Andrea Matherne, Erin V. Caruso, Dr. Kristine and Adam Strickland, Danica Ansardi, Joe Toomy, the Very Rev. Charles Benoit, Sisters Renee Daigle and Kateri Battaglia, MSC, the Rev. Greg Haake, and Dr. Josh and Wendy Jones.