Location! Location!
Constructed in 1822-1823, a classic Creole townhouse in the Vieux Carré served as both the apothecary and residence of Louis J. Dulfilho Jr. He was the first licensed pharmacist in the U.S. Now the Chartres Street historic landmark houses the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, which was founded in 1950. Its artifacts and resources document the early history of pharmacy and medicine in the 19th and early to mid-20th centuries with a focus on New Orleans and Louisiana.
On a recent Saturday night, gaming was the gambit.
“Viva Las Vegas” headed the invitation, which announced the Pharmacy Museum’s 25th annual fundraiser to further its 75-year mission of preservation and education. Supporters rallied to join in a night of “giving, gambling, revelry, food and drink.” Hello, Mr. Chips!
Element did the décor for the glitzy, casino-themed evening of philanthropy that paid homage to “Sin City,” Las Vegas, Nevada, and the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Elvis impersonation was a key element of the bash that included a live auction of 67 items, the Royal Flush Raffle (won by Erin King), a martini bar (donated by Sazerac/Goldring), oyster bar (by Fives), and, as more libations, bubbly, beer, wine and a specialty cocktail. Toast Entertainment donated the photo booth, and, as DJs, Michael Sparks and Zach Smallman “prescribed” the playlists. Catering companies Elysian Fields, 12 Seasons, and Joel provided food and drink. The smoked drum dip was delicious.
Guests entered through the museum itself, eyeing the amazing contents, and then moseyed out to the spacious patio, which was partially tented and bathed in purple and blue lighting. A disco ball hung from above, casting a myriad of mirrored reflections. Casino tables, such as blackjack and roulette, gave gaming a go.
Among the numbers were Capt. Michael Bopp, Gregory D’Angelo with spouse Sharon, Judge Eric Bopp with Lisa, Dr. Salvador Scaccia with Lee Sharrock, Dr. Eugene “Chip” Tilton with Nell (of the Nell & Eugene Tilton Family Fund), Dr. Kathleen Kennedy, Dr. Marcellus and Laura Grace, Dr. Kate Holcomb and Mark, Randal Johnson, Charlie Corona, Matthew Cross, David Whitehurst, Horace Bynum, Adolph Bynum Jr., Wouter and Sandy de Bie, Myra Thomas, Katie Aymond, Rose Stafford and David Banks, and Matt and Melanie Talley. Several figure on the museum’s board of directors. Making rounds, too, were PM executive director Elizabeth “Liz” Sherman and husband Ben. All thanked the dozen or so sponsors and supporters.
Attendees coursed the party premises, inside (downstairs and up), and the stunning patio within the social embrace of “Fabulous Las Vegas.” At the conclusion, and as the “Good time was had by all” sentiment prevailed, luck was a lady that night.
Laurels
“Join Boys Town Louisiana for its ‘Spirit of Youth’ Awards” was the beckoning for the gala that unfolded in the Arbor Room at Popp Fountain in City Park. The event shone a light on BTL’s youth programs and the young people who have worked hard to grow, overcome challenges, and build a future. The evening also celebrated the families, friends and supporters who helped make their success possible.
The Arbor Room was decked out in purple and teal chromatics with, as accents, balloons, florals, and fairy lights. Fox 8 anchor Kelsey Davis emceed; Lou Fragosa (Manning Family Children’s) and the organization, Winston Rhea (Daniel and Katie Harris), were the Spirit of Youth award recipients; youths served by BTL’s Residential Home and Intervention & Assessment programs were recognized; and the Junior League of New Orleans provided volunteers.
Silent and Live auctions, respectively with 27 and five items, touted trips as top attractions. In the former auction, the most bids were for the Notes of Nashville trip, and for the live portion, a South African safari. Walk-Ons, Pigeon Catering, Flavor Creations, Café Du Monde, and Martin Wine Cellar purveyed, while Nate Ursey & Blue Book Barkeeps created signature cocktails, including a mocktail.
Among the supportive lot were Boys Town Louisiana Board Chair Cliff Butler with Laurie, chair-elect Chris and Valerie Barrilleaux, Jill Fragoso with Lou, LCMC CEO Greg Feirn with Sarah, Emily Wolff, Neil and Rena Jolly, state Sen. Royce and Krystle Duplessis, Sunni Lebeouf, Jeff and Judy Doussan, Todd Batiste, Morgan Shannon, and executive director Rashain Carriere-Williams. Providing the musical momentum was Semaj C. Douglas and The Blues Experiment.
Burns Bonhomie
The Caledonian Society of New Orleans held its 52nd annual Burns Supper at the Southern Yacht Club in honor of Robert Burns, 1759-1796, Scottish poet, bard, and patron extraordinaire. A “non-profit organization open to all interested in the preservation of the ancient Scottish way of life,” the society fosters and furthers the culture of Scotland and the isles.
Piper Robert Grubb provided the music for the evening and Lance von Uhde III, the flowers; Debora Hadeen emceed and gave the grace, and Wendy Grubb extended the welcome; Robert Grubb, Scott Bond (attending with daughters Marin and Emmaline), Alton Hart, and Richard B. McConnell III teamed for the Presentation of the Haggis; McConnell gave the Address to the Haggis; and, after dinner, the latter’s parents, Richard Jr. and Mary McConnell, gave the Toast to the Lassies and the Response to the Laddies. Two final portions of the program were Flowers of the Forest and The Immortal Memory, delivered, in turn, by Virginia Urquhart and Glenn Raby.
The Caledonian Society banner, the portrait of Robert Burns, and floral centerpieces embellished the area. Dining pleasures were salad, salmon or pork, and haggis and shortbread with chocolate mousse.
Gathered as well were Robert and Irina Larimer, Andrew and Catherine Larimer, Caroline Barton with Jay Carlyle Smith, Amy Sandridge and William Renaudin, John and Jennifer Hanvy, Jane and Lenny Caruso, Winona and Jim Gibbs, Linda Patrick with Martha Bevinger, Lisa Gourgues and Thomas Richardson, Christyn Elliott with Glenn Raby, Thomas Diemer, Janice and Alan Wise, and Alex and Naj Wallace. When all was concluded and enjoyed, everyone joined hands in a circle, and in the spirit of vocal fellowship, sang “Auld Lang Syne.”
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.nola.com ’
