Nell Nolan: Eden House, Boys Hope Girls Hope Gala, Jefferson Chamber 25th, Lighthouse Louisiana Circle - NOLA.com

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Cause and Social Effects

Eden House

"A perfect night for an indoors-outdoors party," commented a guest, who added, "And I like the nip in the air."

Nip, sip, fillip all blended when the Eden Center for Hope and Healing, a rebranding from Eden House, presented the twofold to-do titled "Ball Gowns and Blue Jeans." Heeding that heads up, the sartorial selections ran the gamut from Chanel finery to denim and cowboy hats. As for the levity's layout, it was a short walk from the patron party at the home of Jennifer and Fred Heebe, where a three-piece ensemble played classical music, to the main event at the home of EH founder and board chairman Kara Van de Carr and her husband, Daryl Bird. There, the music kicked into country, thanks to Ted Hefko and the Thousandaires. At both, the gussied-up guests savored catering by Nolavore, which is owned by Anne Lloyd. "Elegance" was played up in the bubbly sipping at the Heebes', while the barbecue donated and cooked by Chris Roos (with Rebecca) and Louie Freeman (with Courtney), along with the Bourbon Room, tipped a figurative hat to the best of the West.

Teamed to chair the bash were Stacy Head, Holly Gordon and Katherine Raymond, who were joined by their spouses, Jeremy, John and Beau. Led by Stacy, flowers were made from neighborhood greenery and donations from Trader Joe's. Donating "green" of another kind was First Horizon Bank, the Rhinestone Cowboy Signature Sponsor.

Mingling among the many — several, board members — were Greg and Sarah Feirn, Sally and Ron Forman, Carroll Suggs, Anne and Edmund Redd, Ayame and Carling Dinkler, Dana Hansel, Winnie Brown, state Sen. Beth Mizell, Emily Palit, Susie Allen, Erin Luetkemeier, Gina Rachel, Judge Joy and Jay Lobrano, Kathy Singleton, Judith Oudt, Deana Blackburn, Kim and Neil Abramson, and, with husband David Indest, Peggy Babin Indest, interim executive director. All supported Eden House, "a movement to eradicate the trafficking and selling of human beings" and "the recovery and reentry services for victims, including long-term shelter." Thus, hope and healing underscored the creative and lively "BG & BJ" levity.

Garden Gallivanting

Benefitting Boys Hope Girls Hope and under the chairing of Brittany Whitsell, The Garden Gala held forth al fresco and festively for four hours in City Park Gardens. Patrons arrived first for Kitchen in the Gardens featuring "a live demo by James Beard Award Winning chef, Alon Shaya" and a special performance by scholar Keshaun. Attendees relished the beef kebabs with tahini and butter bean tzatziki before second lining to the gala in the gardens of the Pavilion of the Two Sisters. Midday feasting continued, thanks to eight generous caterers.

Embellishing the areas were floral centerpieces from Herbivore Floral Designs, the Distressed Rentals furniture, signs and backdrops by Brittany Whitsell and Angelina Knister, and the buoyancy of the huge balloons by Bubble Lady Linda. Eighteen raffle options included top Saints tickets, a private sushi dinner for 20 by Benny Basquiat, and a live painting by Torregrossa Art. A "Fund the Need" also supported BHGH.

Noted within the gathering of at least 350 were Presenting Sponsor, Oak category, and board member Rick Flick (Banner Ford Banner Chevrolet) and wife Tina; sponsor and board member Sally Duplantier; and from BHGH, executive director Chuck Roth, development director Cydne Shipley, and program director and BHGH alum Daniella Portillo, along with board chair Chris Kenny with Kim, and vice chair Jason Maurin and Kellie, a member of the 20-person gala committee. Others were Tom and Connie Kitchen, Eddie and Julie Ann Connick, Caryn Rodgers-Battiste and spouse Todd Battiste, and Eddie and Marianne Koehl. For the music making, the notable names were The Preservation Hall All-Stars, Knockaz Brass Band, and Delachaise Ensemble with a classical take on modern hits.

A Sterling Salute

The Jefferson Performing Arts Center was the site for the night when the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce held its 25th Anniversary Gala, titling it "Sterling Moments." OnPath Federal Credit Union, with Jared Freeman as president and CEO, was the Presenting Sponsor. More CEOs attending were Dr. Shondra Williams (InclusiveCare), Beth Walker (Ochsner Baptist), Guy Williams (Gulf Coast Bank and Trust), Suzi Swoop O'Brien (Peoples Health), Lee Giorgio (Select Properties Ltd.) and John LeBlanc (Metairie Bank). Also present were Jefferson Parish Coroner Dr. Gerry Cvitanovich, as well as Parish Council members Ricky Templet, Scott Walker and Marion Edwards.

Villere Florist's white-flower centerpieces, creative lighting, silver window "clings" with the names and photos of sponsors, Albrecht Ice Sculptures "25th" ice sculpture, and a custom 25th Anniversary logo medallion were among the decorative features. The food ones, all delicious, came primarily from Rock-N-Sake Bar & Sushi, Pigeon Catering, and Drago's Seafood Restaurant. Further features were cigar rolling demonstrations by Cigar Factory of New Orleans and Angel's Envy's bourbon pouring.

Early in the "Quarter Century" evening, Jefferson Chamber President Ruth Lawson extended a Champagne toast. Gathered, too, among the 300 celebrants were Donna Austin, Al Galindo, state Rep. Polly Thomas, and Westwego Mayor Robert Billiot Sr. As the evening progressed, Jazzman Entertainment purveyed the scintillation, even luring a few for a spin on the floor.

Gratitude

Lighthouse Louisiana celebrated Visionary Circle donors at the LL headquarters, where seasonal yellow chrysanthemums decorated the courtyard. More floral arrangements in fall colors came from Shirley Randon of White Oaks Farm. Feeding the flock were Mirepoix Event Catering (with a tasty hors d'oeuvres array) and The Cupcake Collection. Sarah Douglas Photography snapped party looks, and a jazz trio from Loyola, Evs Alexander, Lue Herrick and Izzy Chase, entertained the likes of LL president and CEO Dee Bridgewater, board chair Charlie Marts and wife Tabby George, board member Cameron Currie, Jenice Heck, Ted Haefele, Shawne Favre, Joyce Ridgeway, Peggy and Capt. John White, and Elaine and Ben Haney.

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