Setting just the right mood for a fundraising gala is often the hardest part for organizers. Hitting that perfect balance of ambiance and festivity was the New Orleans Ballet Association’s (NOBA) Ballet Resource and Volunteer Organization (BRAVO) Art In Motion Gala: Danse de Jardin on May 18.
Partygoers got a hint of the theme when the invitation arrived: an image of an ethereal ballet dancer in a beautiful garden by Lauren Faustermann. Guests were not disappointed: after a patron party hosted by Geneva and David Kerstein, they entered the gala at Gallier Hall via a green carpet highlighted by topiaries by artist Adrien Broom and arranged by Martine Chaisson Gallery to create a garden-like entrance. The inside was decorated in pink azaleas and roses and tables were accented with pink petal tablecloths with tall centerpieces with greenery, vines, hydrangeas, pink roses and other pink accent florals by Dunn and Sonnier. Stephen Sonnier and Martine Chaisson Linares were the decor chairs.
Entertainment included a brass band welcome at the entrances of the patron party and gala by musician Craig Klein and Friends, followed by Gabrielle Cavassa performing during dinner and DJ FTK providing the beats for dancing. Food was provided by 1718 Catering and a seafood display was donated by Louisiana Seafood. The silent auction offered deluxe items, and the top three bids were: a Windsor Court Hotel two-night premium Club two-bedroom stay package; a “Top Dog” package from the Krewe of Barkus; and a gift certificate from Coleman Dermatology for a full-face Softwave treatment.
Gala chair was Teresa Guzzetta.
Fun Fact
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During NOBA Executive Director Jenny Hamilton’s remarks about NOBA’s Center for Dance and their 31-year partnership with NORD, she introduced NOBA’s Master-Artist-in-Residence Donald Williams and presented a gift to him in honor of his retirement, announced to guests that evening.
Cynthia LeBreton, Stephen Sonnier, Teresa Guzzetta, Dottie Belletto
Ryan Burks, Laurie Guimont Guillaume, Gerri Valene, Murray Valene
Marilyn Smith, Gregory Curtis, Deborah Alciatore, Sara Warren
David Kerstein, Geneva Kerstein
Marion Gibbs, Jacquee Carvin, Liz Broekman, Monique Doucette
Martine Chaisson Linares, Melissa Coleman, Ginger Guzzetta Touzet
