Nell Nolan: Film Society Gala, Salvation Army, Stuart Hall auction

Picture This!

“I grew up on a roller coaster,” said honoree Bryan Batt, the 2024 Celluloid Hero, as he addressed the rapt crowd during the New Orleans Film Society Gala. His remark was both a reference to his Batt family’s ownership of the Pontchartrain Beach amusement park (and all the thrilling rides), but also to the trajectory of his life as an actor of stage (including a bunch of Broadway shows) and screen. He furthered his “roller coaster” comment with, “Great training, the ups and downs.”

Clearly the evening, and the recognition of his career, was one of the plethora of “ups” that Batt has experienced. “I feel incredibly blessed for being a working actor,” he continued, before his nod to New Orleans: “There’s no place like home.”

Elston and Deven Howard, along with home host Kevin Kelly, shared the spotlight as gala chairs. Valerie Lamb, Dodd Loomis, Virginia McCollam and W. Howard Thompson formed the committee. Additionally, there were the 14 staff members (including NOFS executive director Sarah Escalante), the 33 patrons, and the 47 names, both individuals and businesses, as table hosts. Add to those numbers, the ticketed throng. The bash was well cast.

For a night when visuals were the vibe, patrons had a fabulous eyeful in Kevin Kelly’s St. Charles Avenue townhouse and courtyard, where decorations, mostly Mardi Gras, reigned. Oysters and caviar were complemented by Champagne. Amid all the buzz, Bryan welcomed the glitzy crowd. As the patron portion was winding down, stilt walkers ushered the party pack into an immense space, a covered parking garage, where the gala geared up. The atmosphere of a hip nightclub was evoked by covering the entire 8,000 square feet in plush black carpeting, washing the brick walls with pink light, and installing comfy lounge furniture. Of course there had to be a DJ and his spin.

Atop a long, dramatically-lit single table draped in pink and black, Mirepoix Event Catering laid out cheese and charcuterie, a trio of seafood salads, shrimp and grits, pasta, and carving stations. Desserts were arranged as a suite of sweets. After serving themselves, the film flock dined at tables flanking an extensive pink carpet leading to the stage, which was backed by an enormous screen. On it were images of the gala-goers, and during his tribute, scenes related to honoree Bryan.

Further excitement was generated by the half dozen items in the live auction, one of which was a dinner at “your home” prepared by James Beard awardee Justin Devillier, of La Petite Grocery and Justine. Buyer Michael Collins will feast with friends. Raffle winner Amy Gums landed the Taylor Swift VIP Package for her Eras Tour performance in Caesars Superdome on Oct.25.

In significant roles were attendees Tom Cianfichi and Jay Batt, Bryan’s respective spouse and his brother; a patron-party chatting threesome in Lori Ochsner, Dorothy Clyne and Cynthia LeBreton; with husband Bryan Burkey, actress Leslie Castay, who introduced Batt, saying “We’ve known each other since we were under-grads.”; former NOFS honoree Alexa Georges and spouse Jerry Armatis; Laura Ashley and Gus Anderson; and Katherine and Tony Gelderman. Also, Mark Romig, Ti Martin, Oley Sassone, Glen Pitre, James Douglas Hislop, Todd and Crystal McDonald, Frank Monteleone, Helena Moreno and Chris Meeks, Jason Waguespack and Jeff Morgan, Lynn Whitfield, Donna Kay Berger, Emilie Georget, and Julie McCollam. The take on the gala? Five stars and film fun.

Shield of Hope

The celebration at the Historic Lakefront Airport concerned “135 years in New Orleans” and the related longevity of the Salvation Army. All of this was under the annual Shield of Hope hobnobbing. Attractions were many and featured a performance by Deacon John and the Ivories; culinary delights by Messina’s at the Terminal; beer, wine and Champagne; and “vintage WWII planes on display for up-close viewing and conversation with the pilots from The Big Easy Wing.” The program’s cover art by Martin Sexton depicted a large plane in the background, and in front, seven servicemen in blue sipping a brew. It was coffee served from a green Salvation Army mobile canteen by a smiling man and woman. The vehicle (which had snow on top) had War Relief Society painted on the side.

A heartfelt “Thank You” targeted the sponsors, starting with Sarah and Tim Scandurro and Woodward Design + Build, Gold; Dick and Lynn Meyers, Donald and Cathy Espenan, Fred and Jennifer Heebe, Silver; and Julie Breitmeyer, Patricia and Vernon Brinson, John (Rex of 2024) and Kathy Eastman, Susan Glennon, Robert Livingston, Sally Moring, The Angel Wings Foundation, and Dr. Lamar Teaford, Bronze.

Aligned with the conviviality was a new initiative of the benefit event, a Fund-A-Need Paddle Raise to help stop the cycle of poverty before it begins. To this end, the Salvation Army is partnering with Delgado Community College to care for unhoused individuals. Throughout the evening, good deeds and good times fused.

Derby Knight

Stuart Hall School for Boys encouraged horseplay at its recent auction. Titled Derby Knight and chaired by Leanne Durham, the social sprint thanked Children’s Hospital, New Orleans LCMC Health as Triple Crown Sponsor. Other top sponsors were Crescent Crown Distributing and Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Dempsey; and Ochsner Health. The ado commenced on the DeBlieux Yard + Benson Leadership Field, beginning with a 6 p.m. patron party chaired by Ashby Navarro and Sarah Powell, who were joined by husbands Al and Scott. Sydney Cruise entertained and The Windsor Court supplied delectable noshes and mint juleps.

The auction action showcased the sounds of DJ Zupparty; scads of auction items, both silent and live; raffles; the Too Hot to Trot Contest for best hats (derby headwear and fascinators prevailed); and food by a dozen fine eateries.

Decorations set the hippodrome tone with linens by CHL, a rose wall, vintage furniture, a handpainted backdrop by Jason DuMouchel, and Kentucky Derby memorabilia from the Zuppardo family collection.

Among the many betting on a good time were interim head of school Timothy M. Burns, Ph.D. and Kathy, Shelley and Sean Tynan, Katie and Stephen Mills, Marcelle and Peter Connick, Anne and Andrew Angelico, David and Claire Coons, Ellie and Clifford Brown, Christine and Mickey Parenton, Nicole and Samir Mowad, Meredith and Dean Yount, Amy and Peter Kernion, Jennifer and Brian Capitelli, and Giselle and Ed Eastlack. Winners, all!