Centenary
When it was time to make a plan, ten women came together. The purpose was to encourage positive growth and change in New Orleans. The year was 1923. After recruiting other members, the locals joined the International Association of Junior Leagues (founded in 1921) and with 40 women committed to making a difference, the Junior League of New Orleans was born in 1924. While numbers may vary, it is the “11th largest league in the world” out of 297 leagues. Volunteering, developing women's potential, and leadership training are integral to active membership. The purpose is “educational and charitable only.”
Recently, another purpose has emerged: to party. In gold lettering adorning the forest green cover of the invitation, it read: “Junior League of New Orleans, Centennial (1924-2024), Celebration of the Roaring Twenties.” The committee for the celebration was made up of several dozen people, including many of the club's past presidents. There have been 40 of them, and their names were listed in alphabetical order on the invitation. Wendy Veron, Ellen Coleman and Liz Creelthe gala's emcee trio. The list goes on. Shannon Abel, Elizabeth Baugh, Jean Boughton, Shannon Brice, Barbara Bush, Jennifer Couvillon, Katie Crosby, Wendy D'Arovisio, Ninette Eastman, Cathy Eastman (Latest, 2024, Sustainer of the Year) Leah Engelhardt, Ella Flower, Lucy Frierson, Betsy Gumbel, Ashley Geary, Julie George, Mary Frances Gleason, Alice Glenn, Gwathmee Gomilla, Maria Hughete, Kristen Koppel, Natalie Laneau, Erin Lutkemeier, Ann Mahoner, Lynn Mann, Dee McCloskey, Wendy Michelle, Anne Milling, Christine Moore, Betsy Nulty, Laura Politz, Catherine Raymond, Sally Sasson, Melanie Usdin, Charlene Walk, Brandi Whisnant, and Alice Wright. Most were in attendance, including Virginia Walker, who was honored posthumously. She always loved a good party.
The five-hour fun-filled event included dressing up in “1920s glamour or your favorite festival attire” and dining and dancing with the Bucktown All-Stars at the Orpheum Theatre. Decorated by Sparkle & Swag, the event included a step-and-repeat with a giant string of “pearls,” light-up palm trees, an Eiffel Tower centerpiece with flowers, and a slender vase filled with pearls, long-stemmed hydrangeas and peacock feathers. Balloons further enlivened the stage area, and a six-foot-tall “100” light display caught everyone's eye.
What's even more fascinating is that Harry Hardin The opening reception featured hors d'oeuvres, followed by a buffet dinner in the theater before the main program, courtesy of Pigeon Catering. All past presidents in attendance gathered in front of the stage to deliver their inaugural speeches. The outgoing president Ashley Llewellyn Successor Tara Waldron.
Among the party-goers were Alice Glenn, 2024-2026 Junior League Association president, and Centennial Committee members. Anne Heslin and Tory Dean Among the hundreds in attendance were League spouses and guests, as well as representatives from the 39 program-listed organizations that JLNO has supported in its Legacy of Leadership.
Everyone praised the anniversary for having “promoting women's happiness” as a key focus area, and after the centenary celebrations, this “happiness” marked a happy and healthy start to the next 100 years.
Business Prestige
The Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans Business Hall of Fame, presented by the Oscar J. Tolmaz Charitable Trust, drew hundreds of people to the Hyatt Regency New Orleans to honor the 2024 recipients. Kim M. BoyleDeputy Managing Partner | Phelps Dunbar, LLP; Ryan Burks President | RYCARS Construction, LLC; Michelle DouglasFounding CEO of Hines Charter School Corporation. Greg FehnCEO | LCMC Health; Lee GiorgioCEO | Select Properties Inc.; Bill HammackPartner | Link Restaurant Group.
The vigorous activity is Roger OgdenRoger H. Ogden Development and Investments, Lifetime Achievement Award. Real estate developer James “Jimmy” Morin and Darryl D. Berger The 2024 Times-Picayune Loving Cup winners (Ogden also won in 2016) presented the awards. Liberty Bank & Trust was named as the recipient of the Truman Charitable Trust's Corporate of the Year Award in 1972. Alden J. McDonald, Jr. He is the president and CEO of the bank. A former recipient, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award two years ago. All of the above individuals have fostered entrepreneurial spirit in their communities and contributed greatly to their professions. They were presented with the iconic Crystal Eagle in recognition of their achievements.
After the Chairman's Reception and the procession of the awardees, the 2024 JA Business Hall of Fame Chairman Gregory RusovichThe CEO of Transocean Development gave a welcoming speech. The program was led by the Chairman of JAGNO. Larry Washington Archbishop Shaw High School student lecture Bakari Johnsonand Trustee Tormas Vincent J. Giardina and Lisa N. Romano. With Rusovich and Washington, Chad Berg, Ronnie Burns, Vanessa Claiborne, Pat Denneshaw, Jimmy Dunn, David Gallo, Michael Hecht and Curtis Pellerin They will serve on the Business Hall of Fame Selection Committee for 2024. Several members will also serve on the 40-member Board of Directors for 2023-2024.
The dinner menu for more than 350 guests included vegetable salad, a duo of short ribs and Gulf shrimp, and s'mores cheesecake. Plant Gallery and Luminous Events added glamour, honored each winner with a video, and the Electric Yat String Quartet provided musical accompaniment.
Dining Design
Chairperson Sweet Dupuy and Parmell RobinsonHosted by Historic BK House and Gardens, “Dining by Design” drew a large crowd to the Vieux Carré landmark. Fourteen designers, individuals and teams each decorated a table in keeping with the theme of “French Quarter Majesty,” with table settings ranging from classic and elegant to dreamy and elaborate. Element donated tables for eight and ten, adorned with stunning floral centerpieces and designer table settings. Guests were treated to the welcoming sounds of a harpist as they entered the soiree. Rachel Van Voorhees During “Courtyard Cocktails,” as we sipped Prosecco and admired the table setting designs, we heard exclamations of “wow” and “oh my!”
Taste of New Orleans served up truffle arancini, watermelon skewers, and crab maison during the course. Creole tomato tart, andouille-crusted redfish, blueberry crème brûlée, and flourless chocolate cake pleased the palate. Patron Saint donated a selection of wines that perfectly matched each course.
Enjoying all this was Sweet Dupuy, the above mentioned director of BK, and her husband. Ben; Chairman Sandra Dartus Managing Director Annie Irvin and Kare Egedaland the Trustee Cynthia LeBreton and Anne Strub With my spouse, the doctor. Richard “Dick”. Also, Tia and Jimmy Roddy, Angie Bowlin and Martin Robinson, Morgan Babst and Scott Habig, Valerie Landry, Seth Bloom and Gary Solomon Jr., Neil Bodenheimer and Keir Sherman, Audrey Voelker, Pam George, Katherine and Tony Gelderman, and Stephen SonnierFor some people, “eating” was a fun pastime.
