Hispanic Apostolate Gal a- The Rev. Manuel Solorzano, O.P.; Lynda Mobley; The Rev. Sergio Serrano, O.P.

Sullivan Salute

"A Night Worth Celebrating with music, food & fun!" headed up the invitation for one of the most spectacular parties of the summer. Held in the various areas of The Fillmore on Canal Street, the fundraiser honored the Hon. Henry G. Sullivan Jr., Initiative and benefitted the LSU Health Department of Neurosurgery "to ensure our community has access to the best neuro-care in the region." Former state legislator and (former) Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives John Alario - joined by spouse Trina -- was the honorary event chairman; Jessica Brandt and William and Wynonia Lazaro, the Jazz Sponsorship Presenting Sponsors; and in the next category, Blues, Drs. Chad and Alicia Austin, Rhonda and John Combel and West Jefferson Medical Center. About three dozen other sponsors contributed, including Judy Sullivan, a Brass Sponsor. She honored her late husband, the eponymous Judge Henry Garland Sullivan Jr.

Perfect Presentations did the stunning flowers in the LSU signature colors of purple and gold. More decorative accents were The Fillmore's chandelier lights, a life-size tiger representing LSU, and a fleur-de-lis ice sculpture. Guests used the occasion to sport summer finery and a chance to "dress up."

Food, glorious food, was abundant, thanks to 17 purveyors, while Lula Restaurant Distillery crafted specialty cocktails.

Hundreds mingled in support of the initiative and to have a good time for a worthy cause. Within the ranks were the above Alarios, Lazaros, Austins and Combels, along with Richard DiCarlo, dean of the LSU Medical School. Also, Gretna Mayor Belinda Constant and husband Ronnie, Jeff and Alice Badeaux, West Jefferson Medical Center President and CEO Rob Calhoun, Dr. and Mrs. Frank Culicchia, Leo and Dana Palazzo, Joseph and Jo Ann Toomy, Dr. Wendy Do and Jeramiah Blum, Steve and Kim Taylor, Glen and JoAnn Jambon, Ashley Jambon, and Sullivan daughters Kathleen and Lauren. For starters.

All were wowed by the venue and its extensive space, the decorations (especially the tiger), and the delicious food. Going back for seconds was roundly observed. And then there was the music.

For the patron party, crooner Jesse Hill (from Biloxi, Mississippi) garnered attention and adulation. More early-on music came from the jazz band that welcomed arriving guests. Befitting the Sullivan name, Irish bag pipes were featured. There was still plenty more music making, such as The Yat Pack with Al "Lil Fats" Jackson, who recalled his globally known ancestor Fats Domino. Further billing came via the New Orleans Mystics with the Ladies of Distinction and the closing band, the Bucktown All-Stars.

All the while, "party with a purpose" prevailed.

Gallivanting

Ya gotta love the name: Seersucker & Sass. And that's what marqueed the merriment put on by the Cancer Crusaders as an estival fundraiser. The invitation's cover depicted a dancing duo cutting a rug as lively jitterbuggers. (One assumes they were both sporting seersucker.)

Chateau Golf & Country Club was the location for the four hours of "dinner, dancing, auctions." Table tops were decorated with a "summer fun" theme, which included teal and white-striped seersucker tablecloths and centerpieces of mini Ferris wheels with candy-filled seats. At each place setting, colorful sunglasses added another element of fun as guests donned them for a cool attitude.

Further attractions were the silent auction's 14 items, including a diamond and sapphire pendant; a Cake of the Month (for a year), donated by Maurice French Pastries; and a wagon filled with beach toys, floats and a giant umbrella to shade beachgoers.

The menu was universally pleasing. Merci! A baby greens salad, surf and turf, vegetables, and a peppermint parfait filled the bill. Sazerac and the Goldring Family Foundation, as well as Southern Glazer's, contributed to the bar (with respective thanks to Cathie Weinstein and Karen Naquin for their assistance). Cathie also figured on the gala committee of 27 that was headed by gala co-chairs Tricia Lincoln and LeeAnne Leopold, a top sponsor along with individuals Donald T. "Boysie" Bollinger, Peter and Bilbo Foldes, and Larry and Marian Gibbs. Tricia was one of the 25 patrons.

Noted within the party pack were a number of the above, as well as Debbie Albert, Brenda Higgins, Kerry Kenney, Faith Peperone, Darlene Cavalier, Kathy Maffei, Alan Weinstein, Dawn Miller, Ira Savoie, Dolores Hall, Valerie Moscona, Jan Treuting, Virginia Eckholdt, Jackie Hughes, Paul Pastorek and Augie Leopold.

Keith and Patricia Collura reaped thanks aplenty for their donation of the music. The band was The Top Cats and they lived up to their billing.

Hispanic Apostolate

The Apostolado Hispano of the Archdiocese of New Orleans rounded up supporters for a gala evening at Chateau Golf & Country Club to honor Friar Sergio Serrano, OP, former director of the Hispanic Apostolate. Tributes were extensive and meaningful. His successor, the current director, is Friar Manuel Solorzano, OP.

Maricela Gonzalez's Creation decorated the party premises and received due credit for her touch. As for the taste treats, house salad, chicken parmesan, seasonal vegetables, and chocolate finale cake fueled the fun.

Among the many Summer Gala attendees were Sister Marjorie Hebert, CEO of Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans; Ronnie and Jenny Mains; Deacon Martin Gutierrez; and Deacon Michael P. Whitehouse, Ph.D. Also, Samuel Rottman, Mariana Montero, Marvin Saborio, Sister Irma Vargas, Reina Moncada, Carmen Khan, Haydee Cassis, and Lynda Mobile. To mention a few who, along with others, heard the beat of Rumba Buena and decided the dance floor was the place to be.