Fête de Noël!
The name says it all.
One of the most anticipated Christmastime events gets activated long before the December date. The above-named luncheon of the Ladies Leukemia League, Inc. amasses hundreds each year for charity and cheer. A cure, too. Housing the 2024 holiday happening was the Hilton New Orleans Riverside's Grand Ballroom.
Anita Hymel, LLL president, both opened and, hours later, closed the extensive program. Fête de Noël Chairmen Angela Riviere and Ana Eiler made introductions; Camille Whitworth was a masterful mistress of ceremonies; Janet Patterson delivered the invocation; an announcement hailed the Light the Tree of Hope Donors; and a foursome, Jacquelyn Milan, above Angela, Rosalie Edwards and Angie Cicero, made the monetary presentation to the grant recipients. The latter were Hussein A. Abbas, M.D., Ph.D.; Nakhle Saba, M.D.; and, all Ph.D., Wu-Min Deng, Zhen Lin, and Amal Mechaal.
"When You Wish Upon A Star, Then a Cure Will Not Be Far," the theme, dictated decorations. Committee members crafted beautiful mirrored stars with embellishment at the base that centered the tables. They served as door prizes at the conclusion, one per table, for the person with the "lucky" number.
Other features were the extensive auction with all types of goodies; the 100 items in the Parade of Prizes; and the David Yurman diamond ring (donated by Aucoin Hart) in the Holiday Wish Raffle that Joan Saelmon won. Brandi Tamur, Linda Monteeut, Janet Owens, Carolyn Keller and Eulalie Petit were thrilled as the door prize winners, while Lisa Lanaux, Michelle Ryan, Jeannie Redman, and Barbara Wagner were the winning names in the restaurant raffle.
And speaking of, the Hilton served a fine midday meal of garden salad, filet mignon (or a roasted polenta cake) and a festive dessert of shortcake topped by a chocolate star.
Now for the Hollywood stars! As it has done for decades (and decades!), the LLL Luncheon featured a high-powered fashion show. It was by Sue Webber Productions. "The Stars of Film & Fashion" marqueed the presentation by Dillard's Lakeside of seven spectacular scenes and the appropriate looks. "Starry Nights" was the first scene and "A Night at the Oscars," the closing one. The "Marilyn" (Monroe) segment riveted universal attention, especially from the male onlookers. And James Bond had his sartorial say -- and day. Film fun was truly to the fore.
A surprise guest was Marshall Harris, known as "an iconic New Orleans Entertainer," who strode the runway in over-the-top holiday attire and sang a series of lively numbers.
Prior to Marshall's appearance were the individuals who closed the style show: the three luncheon honorees who are leukemia survivors. Garnering effusive applause (and a few tears) as they walked on the runway were adult Holly Millet (now, a wife and mother), and John Robert Toubre and Jake Meerman, respectively 12 and six years old. "Rocking around the Christmas Tree" played as Mr. Bingle strutted out. "Here Comes Santa Claus" then introduced the beloved character in a St. Nick of time. Joy and laughter prevailed and mini Mr. Bingles were tossed to the willing audience.
Among the scores of LLL supporters were Mr. and Mrs. Richard Kernion Jr., Eulalie Petit and Harold, Cathy Wattigney, Cindy Paulin, Catherine Accardo, the league's executive committee, Fête de Noël Committee chairmen, and, from Dillard's Lakeside, general manager Eugene Williams and assistant Michelle Landry. Always a hit, and following in the role enacted by his father and uncle before him, Stephen Kernion, regaled the crowd as he did a "Ho! Ho! Ho!" in a red Santa suit.
Patio Planters
The Japanese Room of Antoine's Restaurant buzzed with brunch excitement when the Patio Planters, which does Vieux Carre home/garden tours and the outstanding Caroling in Jackson Square, assembled for Christmas conviviality. A festively decorated tree and centerpiece figurines (give to the newest member at each table) accented the season. Appropriately, the "Caroling in Jackson Square" painting by Mose of Eason Galleries was displayed.
All enjoyed the three-course meal, which concluded with a flourless chocolate torte, and the holiday tunes performed by Dale Hunter. Those who give, get. The important Daisy Todd Award found a worthy recipient in extraordinary volunteer Kirk Guidry, and for each board member, Patio Planters President Joey DiFatta had a Christmas present. Quarterite B.B. St. Roman of Crescent City Outreach accepted donations for the homeless.
Among the attendees, from the Quarter and other parts of the city, were Jody and Susan Larriviere, Wendy and Hank Bart, Dana Pellegrin and Chris Wiseman, Adam Miller, Lena Nunez, Susan Revels, Sandy Roberts, Marshall Harris, Lise and Jean Poirrier, and president Joey DiFatta with his sister, Judy Hoffmeister and her grandson, Ellis, along with Joey's cousin Gerri Valene and her spouse, Murray.
Also, vice president, the aforementioned Kirk Guidry and Carolyn, treasurer Jared Frank and Larkin Page, secretary Mary Bartholomew and Harold, and past prezzes Stephen Swain, Lea Siegel (with sister Frances Salvaggio), Janice Foulks, Jeff Collins, and CJ Blanda. And, from the board, Carol Gernon with Ed, Sandra Dartus with Alan Horwitz, Micah Lowenthal with Jonathan Dolese, and Ott Howell (honorary member). Quarterites included Tony Marino, Sherry Dean, Lyn Gladney, Joycelyn Connelly, Diane and Terry Smith, Jerry Stowe and Blake Aucoin, Chip Blondeau and Vicki George, and scores more who saluted the season.
Metairie Merriment
The Metairie Woman's Club held its Christmas Social at the charmingly decorated home of Carrel Epling with Regina Martin and Kathy McLeod as event chairmen. A 14-foot Christmas tree, decorated with Carrel's Mr. Bingle collection and Nutcrackers galore caught every eye. Passed hors d'oeuvres, along with an extensive buffet selection and lots of desserts, including homemade fudge and brownies, fueled the fun.
Altruism was also on the menu. Accolades were given for the successful "Christmas in October," which raised funds for Angel's Place, CASA, and Heart N Hands, as well as a scholarship. During WWII, MWC was honored by the U.S. Treasurer for having sold the most U.S. War Savings Bonds in Louisiana.
Joining in the '24 fun were club president Melissa O'Neil Monaghan dressed like "Elf on the Shelf," president-elect Rubye Noble Evans, Janet Schwary and Irvin, Debbie Skrmetta, Linda Livaudais, Regina Martin and Clyde, Steve Leaber, Kayla Gilberta, Bunnie and Bob Emery, Jessica Seale, and Freddie Landry. Ginger Crawford, Linda Deichmann, Melanie Rose, Judy Wood (with Elm), Yvonne Perret, Cindy Garic, Jerry Gast, Patricia Seale, Coleen Perilloux Landry, and hostess Carrel figured as past presidents.
At the party's conclusion, the members joined hands and sang "God Bless America."
The Gents
The Crystal Palace was the site for the "ETG Christmas Celebration" night. That's the Extra Terrific Gents and their social and pleasure club, which was celebrating its 42nd anniversary.
Delightful decorations -- teal uplighting, seasonal arch, Christmas tree, poinsettias on the stage, and table accents of hand-painted Christmas crystal candle holders -- set the merry mood, as did the music by DJ Gravy, the members' callout to "Christmas Time Is Here" by Boney James, and the ETG teal bowties and vests. Food was plentiful, thanks to various serving stations, and a dessert table with the ETG logo cake.
In the spirit of the season, a number of U.S. Marines staffed a Toys for Tots collection.
Notables were numerous and included club president Rodney Leon with Trenese Valdery, vice president Donald Collins with Donna, Immanuel Beck, Mike and Julie Bordenave, Geoffrey and Kim Denesse, Drs. Kenneth and Rochelle Metoyer, Sam Owens, Cyril Saulny, Jarrod Smith and Sharon Watson, Joseph and Dedra Trevigne, Mike Tobias, Al and Pat Parker, Mike and Avis Bevrotte, Verdell and Pat Heisser, CJ and Alicia Charbonnet and others, who reveled in the dance-floor attractions of R&B and line songs. Good times set the stage.
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Merry Christmas!