Nell Nolan: Good Apple gala, TWFest VIP Party, Chapelle Emerald Gala

Pomme Plaudits

“Seed and be seen” it was at the Sazerac House when Louisiana Appleseed held its annual Good Apple Gala. The two-hour event was co-chaired by lawyers Bryce Addison, of Deutsch Kerrigan, and Lorcan Connick, of Barrasso Usdin Kupperman Freeman and Sarver.

“This Gala is an opportunity for Louisiana Appleseed to say ‘thank you’ for the work they do,” related Adrienne Wheeler, LA’s executive director. She was referring to the community partners and pro bono network limelighted at the gala, who and which have “gone above and beyond in their service to the community.” The event honored work performed in the previous year by President and CEO of Audubon Nature Institute Ron Forman and (law firm) Adams and Reese Pro Bono Paladin Mark Surprenant as the Community Justice honorees. As the Pro Bono honorees, the names to know were Joanna Brachado, Entergy Texas, and Daniel LaGrone, The Association of Corporate Counsel — Louisiana. Deutsch Kerrigan, LLP and Pan-American Life Insurance Group were bannered as the 2024 Silver Sponsors. Proceeds from the Good Apple Gala go directly to LA’s efforts “to create more equitable access to justice, education and opportunity in Louisiana.”

The social infusion came from fine food and drink, thanks to the purveyance of Joel — Crafted Cuisine | Inspired Events. Among the many partaking were LA 2023 board president Ashley Harrison, of Hancock Whitney Bank, Judge Tiffany Chase, Sharonda Williams, Walter Leger Jr. and the Walter Legers III, Wil Jacobs, the William Sheas, Tiffany Davis, and Kent Lambert. Dozens more joined in the altruistic ado that segued into an after-party at the Chandelier Bar on the lobby level of the Four Seasons Hotel to savor sound bytes of the Good Apple.

Tennessee State of Mind

For five recent days, New Orleans had a lit love affair. Readers, writers and theater-goers gathered during the 38th Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival to “experience readings and performances of rarely seen works by (the) namesake playwright and to come into contact with some of (the) nation’s best novelists, essayists, and poets.” As always in the Crescent City, conversation, food and music played roles.

While the Vieux Carré is the neighborhood for most all of the activity, The Tennessee Williams Theatre Company of New Orleans presented his work, “Kingdom of Earth,” in Marquette Theatre of Loyola University.

One of the most significant venues in the Quarter is The Historic New Orleans Collection. It was there, in the Seignouret-Brulator Building, that the literary festival’s VIP Party unfolded. The setting was poetic: a classic courtyard, twinkling stars above, festive strings of lights and lush foliage. Composing the party pack were Festival writers, actors and performers, who rubbed shoulders with select guests. All reached for the Chez Nous catering of passed hors d’oeuvres, including cocktail crab cakes, grilled duck brochettes, smoked salmon canapes, and deviled eggs with caviar. French wines and other libations were readily swilled.

Festival brass made rounds. Included were founders Peggy Scott Laborde and Errol Laborde, board president Lawrence Henry Gobble, executive director Paul J. Willis, and managing director Tracy Cunningham. Also, executive board members Gregory Gajus and Sara Woodard, as well as board members C. Morgan Babst, Margit Longbrake, and Michelle Nelson. Noted, too, was THNOC President and CEO Daniel Hammer, who was just honored with France’s Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, along with Susan Maclay, Louisiana Office of State Museums, and Susan Taylor, the New Orleans Museum of Art. All three, heads of museums. The distinctions were presented in the presence of the Ambassador of France to the United States Laurent Bili and at the Résidence de France, the home of current Consul General of France in New Orleans Rodolphe Sambou and his family. A reception, with Champagne, bien sûr, followed.

Others figuring in the THNOC socializing were National Book Award winner Justin Torres (“Blackouts”), Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Cunningham (“The Hours”) and Debut New Orleans authors Jess Armstrong, Chin-Sun Lee, and Annell Lopez. For hosting the annual cocktails/buffet event in honor of donors, VIPs and speakers, the TWFest expressed gratitude to the staff of The Collection. A-Tenn-tion was duly rendered.

Many-faceted Fun

Archbishop Chapelle High School welcomed socializing supporters to the Emerald Gala, presented by Jessica Brandt, that celebrated and honored Gina Schiro Bankson Woolley ’88, Alumna of the Year (and joined by spouse Jim), and Bruce and Michelle Lambert, Deus Providebit award recipients. Malcolm M. Dienes, LLC/John & Joanna Theriot and Sidney & Martha Lacayo (’96) McCann were listed as the sponsors for the latter award. The on-campus event hailed Jason Ural as emcee.

Guests were wowed by the transformative decorations done by Yur Event Rentals, Fancy Faces Décor and Crescent Sound & Light. Almost 300 auction items generated a continuous buzz as people bid on a package of two Taylor Swift Suite Tickets with limousine accommodations by Celebrity Limousines. Thrilled as the top bidder was Susan Schiber Smith (’97).

For the eat treats, focus turned to LaBella’s Catering and the meat-stuffed shells, shrimp pasta and New Orleans chicken praline, and Tookies NOLA for the charcuterie display.

Among the individual Top Level Sponsors — credit also tapped businesses and firms — were Joanie Roppolo Boudreau (’78) and Ralph, Bailey Osorno Lavin (’10) and Macey Osorno (’12), Brandt and Glenda Dufrene, Christine Watts Freeman (’96) and John, Amy S. Oubre, Anne Messina Southworth (’86) and Greg, Erin Vezina Caruso (’81) and Joseph, and Barry and Connie Boudreaux with Hollis Boudreaux, who will graduate soon.

Also, Kenner Council member Joey LaHatte and Virginia, Judy Golemi Spadafora (’66) and Ray, Dr. and Mrs. Anthony Indovina, Allison Labbé Vogt and Steve, and Anthony and Amanda Impastato. Ed and Kathy Womac sponsored the entertainers, the Uptown Phunk band, whose high-energy sounds added another facet to Emerald Gala’s fun.