The Louisiana Children’s Museum opened its big blue doors for the 17th annual “CHAIRish the Children” sponsored by Capital One Bank. Guests joined Chair Amy Lawler for a fun and festive evening featuring gourmet cuisine and spirits, exciting silent and live auctions, lively entertainment and a $2,000 Lee Michaels Jewelry shopping spree raffle.
This year’s theme, Silver Linings, acknowledged the ways in which the revitalization of the region post-Katrina has given our children more opportunities to grow into their full potential. This year, the Louisiana Children’s Museum celebrated Silver Linings Honorees: Dr. Robert W. Becker, Leslie Jacobs, Derrick Tabb, Sarah Newell Usdin and Warner M. Williams. Each has made a lasting and positive impact on the lives of young children in our community since the storm.
The museum was decorated with inspiration from the event invitation, designed by local artist Katie Rafferty, including sparkling, whimsical white clouds lined in silver, cascading colorful raindrops and touches of silver and blue.
The Jimmy Maxwell Trio featuring Mark Monistere provided musical entertainment. More than 20 restaurants catered delicious dishes.
Middleton O’Malley led the live auction. The silent and live auctions combined offered more than 185 items, which brought in a record-breaking total to support the museum’s educational programs and exhibits. The most coveted item of the silent auction was the “City Park Bench” created by Bobby Zabler of Kern Studios/ Mardi Gras World in honor of City Park CEO Dr. Robert W. Becker. Additional one-of-a-kind commissioned chairs designed for Silver Linings Honorees featured the creativity of Tami Curtis, Leonard Galmon, Lizano’s Glass Haus and Shannon Kelley.
EVENT AT A GLANCE
What: 17th annual “CHAIRish the Children,” benefiting Louisiana Children’s Museum
When: Saturday, August 22
Where: Louisiana Children’s Museum
