MAY
1 Shorty Fest 2014
Benefits: Troy Andrews’ Trombone Shorty Foundation
Event Info.: Trombone Shorty takes the stage along with Orleans Avenue, The Trombone Shorty Academy with music director “Big Chief” Donald Harrison Jr., Detroit Brooks, Dr. Lonnie Smith, The Soul Rebels, New Breed Brass Band, Magnetic Ear, Original Pinettes Brass Band and many more. Guests will also enjoy a silent auction, and all proceeds will go to the Trombone Shorty Foundation.
Tickets: $45 general admission;
$250 VIP
Location: Generations Hall, 310 Andrew Higgins Drive
Contact: (888) 964-0119
2 Whitney Zoo-To-Do
Benefits: Audubon Institute
Event Info.: The “premiere event of the season” will feature cuisine from more than 70 New Orleans restaurants, cocktails and a tremendous auction followed by entertainment from Party on the Moon!, the Brass-a-Holics and more. This year’s “Whitney Zoo-to-Do” will benefit the zoo’s developing attraction, Gator Run.
Tickets: Starting at $175
Location: Audubon Zoo
Contact: 861-6160
4 20th annual Spring Garden Party
Benefits: The McFarland Institute
Event Info.: Baptist Community Ministries throws its annual “Spring Garden Party,” which includes a gourmet dinner dance and a spirited live auction celebrating spring in the Crescent City. The evening’s proceeds will benefit The McFarland Institute, an organization that provides service and education to those of all faiths in the fields of congregational wellness.
Tickets: $150
Location: N/A
Contact: 593-2300
8 Garden Club of America Annual Meeting, Flower Show and Boutique
Benefits: Garden Club of America
Event Info.: This May marks the 101st annual meeting of the Garden Club of America in New Orleans. The meeting will feature a beautiful and unique boutique with art, clothing, jewelry and more for men and women, as well as an extensive and intricate flower show called “Rhythm of the Rivers.”
Tickets: Free and open to the public
Location: Hilton Riverside New Orleans
Contact: 289-4895
8 & 12 12th annual Golf Classic and Pre-Party
Benefits: The Foundation at East Jefferson General Hospital
Event Info.: The Foundation will host its second annual Pre-Party on May 8 and 12th annual “Golf Classic” on May 12. The “Pre-Party” includes silent auctions, entertainment and catering by Drago’s Seafood, setting the stage for one of the premier golf tournaments in the region. Both events make it possible for the Foundation to help East Jefferson General Hospital continue to deliver the highest quality and compassionate healthcare to the community.
Tickets: Pre-Party starting at $125; Golf Classic TBA
Location: Home of Dr. and Mrs. Gerry Cvitanovich & Metairie Country Club
Contact: 503-5596
9 Literary Luncheon
Benefits: The Alzheimer’s Association
Event Info.: Poydras Home is putting on an afternoon of literacy with local authors including Eric Paulsen and Sally-Ann Roberts, Bonnie Warren, Carolyn Kolb and Patrice Kononchek. Topics vary from history to architecture to cuisine, and authors will sign books and speak during lunch.
Tickets: Starting at $100
Location: Poydras Home
Contact: 648-4084
9 19th annual Women of Substance Luncheon
Benefits: Bridge House/Grace House
Event Info.: This year’s “Women of Substance Luncheon” honors local female role models for the many women in Bridge House/Grace House’s substance abuse treatment program who are striving to become sober and self-sufficient. Honorees this year include Dr. Jayne Gurtler, PK Scheerle R.N., Carol Solomon, Meg Farris, Deacon Jay Albert and Lauren Selenberg.
Tickets: $90
Location: Audubon Tea Room
Contact: 821-7135
9 Sippin’ in Seersucker
Benefits: Ogden Museum of Southern Art
Event Info.: Consistently regarded as the party that kicks off the summer social season, guests will enjoy edibles, libations, shopping specials, live music and even a seersucker fashion contest from host The Shops at Canal Place.
Tickets: Members start at $25; $40 nonmembers
Location: The Shops at Canal Place
Contact: 539-9650
9 10th annual Pat Browne Jr. Radio for the Blind and Print Handicapped Golf Tournament
Benefits: WRBH Reading Radio
Event Info.: 23-time “Blind Golf Association National Champion” Pat Browne Jr. will join WRBH Reading Radio for the 10th annual “Pat Browne, Jr. Radio for the Blind and Print Handicapped Golf Tournament,” which includes demonstration, a “Beat Pat’s Shot” contest and much more.
Tickets: $150
Location: Audubon Golf Course
Contact: 899-1144
9 Speak Up for Autism!
Benefits: Autism in Jefferson and Orleans Parish
Event Info.: Musical guest Karma, food and spirits, door prizes, auctions and more will entice guests to “Speak Up for Autism!” at Monkey Hill Bar. Attire is “best dress blues.”
Tickets: Starting at $50
Location: Monkey Hill Bar
Contact: bridget.seals@jppss.k12.la.us
15 13th Anniversary Gala
Benefits: The Innocence Project
Event Info.: Join the Innocence Project in celebrating their 13th year of providing legal support and resources to wrongfully incarcerated individuals with dinner, an open bar, auctions and more.
Tickets: Starting at $150
Location: The Foundry
Contact: 943-1902
16 Whitney Bank Victory Ball Gala
Benefits: National World War II Museum
Event Info.: This event celebrates the presentation of the American Spirit Award posthumously to Ambassador Lindy Boggs, the first female recipient of the highest honor the National World War II Museum offers, to be followed by sublime desserts, beautiful music, cocktails and dancing with a patron party, gala and dessert reception.
Tickets: Starting at $500
Location: US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center, The Stage Door Canteen
Contact: 528-1944
16 10th Anniversary Gala
Benefits: Youth Empowerment Project
Event Info.: The Youth Empowerment Project celebrates its 10th anniversary this spring with an honorary gala. All proceeds will go to furthering the mission of the organization, which serves over 1,000 young adults in the Greater New Orleans Area.
Tickets: Starting at $100
Location: Perret’s Studio
Contact: 522-1316 extension 29
17 Make It Right 2014 Gala
Benefits: Make It Right
Event Info.: The second annual “Make It Right Gala,” which supports well-designed, environmentally friendly homes for people in need, showcases a star-studded lineup this year, not the least of which will be Brad Pitt, the organization’s founder and event chairman. Joining him will be performing artists Bruno Mars and Kings of Leon, with more names to be announced.
Tickets: Starting at $2,500
Location: The Sugar Mill
Contact: MakeItRight.org/2014-gala
18 Art & Soul 2014: Raise the Roof
Benefits: New Orleans Center of Creative Arts
Event Info.: The annual gala fundraiser for NOCCA sponsored by the Lupin Foundation promises to be a special spring evening while raising money for the organization’s continued campus expansion.
Tickets: Starting at $65
Location: NOCCA
Contact: 940-2900
18 Spring Home Tour
Benefits: Friends of the Cabildo
Event Info.: The annual spring tour of the French Quarter will invite guests into six homes and courtyards of the city’s most famous neighborhood, while raising money for the Louisiana State Museum and other iconic landmarks.
Tickets: Starting at $30
Location: Begins at the Cabildo
Contact: 523-3939
24 Take Steps New Orleans
Benefits: Take Steps New Orleans
Event Info.: The largest nationwide program dedicated to finding a cure for Crohn’s Disease and colitis invites the Greater New Orleans Area to a walk-a-thon at Audubon Park to raise awareness and money for finding a cure for Crohn’s and other digestive disorders.
Tickets: Donations accepted
Location: Audubon Park
Contact: 408-2119
JUNE
1 24th annual Le Gala de la Bonne Vie
Benefits: National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana
Event Info.: On June 1, the National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana hosts the 24th annual “Le Gala de la Bonne Vie” honoring Dr. Myra A. Kleinpeter. The gala will be preceded by a patron party and include a silent auction.
Tickets: Starting at $100
Location: New Orleans Marriott Hotel
Contact: 861-4500
4 Business Hall of Fame
Benefits: Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans
Event Info.: The 30th anniversary of the “Business Hall of Fame” will celebrate the achievements of local businessmen and women who have embraced the spirit of entrepreneurship in our community. This year’s honorees include Klara B. Cvitanovich, Preston J. Edwards, Dr. John B. Elstrott Jr., Paul H. Flower and Carol A. Solomon.
Tickets: Starting at $600
Location: The Roosevelt New Orleans
Contact: 569-8658
7 Heart & Soul Gala
Benefits: American Heart Association
Event Info.: This year’s annual “Heart & Soul Gala” will feature a cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner, presentation, live auction and dancing to raise money for the American Heart Association to continue the fight against cardiovascular disease and defects.
Tickets: Starting at $250
Location: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Contact: 830-2300
13 Shakespeare Festival Season Preview Party
Benefits: Shakespeare Festival at Tulane
Event Info.: The 21st anniversary of this event will coincide with the last dress rehearsal of this summer’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and will include a cocktail reception beforehand, with champagne and desserts after the show. All proceeds from the Shakespeare Festival go to providing educational outreach to local and regional schools.
Tickets: TBD
Location: Lupin Theatre at Tulane University
Contact: 865-5105
13 Spotlight on Success Gala
Benefits: March of Dimes
Event Info.: The 28th anniversary of the “Spotlight on Success Gala” celebrates the achievements of a select group of outstanding individuals in the Greater New Orleans Area with food, cocktails, auctions and more. Funds raised will support March of Dimes programs in research, education and pre-natal care.
Tickets: Starting at $75
Location: Generations Hall
Contact: 264-9288
19-22 FestiGals 2014
Benefits: FestiGals
Event Info.: Women from all over the country are invited to attend the fourth annual “FestiGals: The Ultimate Women’s Weekend,” a four-day celebration of women by women including empowerment workshops, inspirational seminars, private tours and more in downtown New Orleans. FestiGals is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and resources for targeted community projects that impact today’s women.
Tickets: All-Inclusive Weekend Pass $400
Location: Hotel Monteleone
Contact: 855-425-9563
JULY
16-20 Tales of the Cocktail
Benefits: New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society
Event Info.: The most anticipated cocktail event of the summer spans four days of the best bartenders, seminars, dinners, competitions and more, based at the Hotel Monteleone.
Tickets: Multiple levels: TalesOfTheCocktail.com
Location: Hotel Monteleone
Contact: 948-0511, TalesOfTheCocktail.com
18 All That Jazz
Benefits: Akula Foundation
Event Info.: Auctions, jazz music, edibles and libations set the tone for the “All That Jazz” event benefitting Akula Foundation programs such as the Grief Resource Center, Camp Swan, Community Health Education and the Canon Hospice Indigent Patient Program.
Tickets: $30; $50 per couple
Location: Rosy’s Jazz Hall
Contact: 881-0452
31-August 3 New Orleans Antique Forum
Benefits: The Historic New Orleans Collection
Event Info.: Exploring Southern Expression is this year’s theme in the annual “New Orleans Antique Forum.” Join academics and collectors alike for a four-day lecture series on the treasures of New Orleans and the Gulf South Region.
Tickets: Multiple levels: hnoc.org/antiques
Location: The Historic New Orleans Collection
Contact: 523-4662, hnoc.org/antiques
AUGUST
2 Whitney White Linen Night
Benefits: Contemporary Arts Center
Event Info.: An eagerly-awaited annual arts experience for locals and transplants, “Whitney White Linen Night” is a widespread block party up and down Julia Street and the rest of the Arts District featuring cocktails, food trucks and art galleries alike, followed by the CAC White Linen Night After-Party.
Tickets: Free
Location: 300-700 Julia St.
Contact: 528-3805
9 Young Leadership Council Role Model Awards Gala
Benefits: Young Leadership Council
Event Info.: This annual ball will honor 25 outstanding members of the community for the example they set to young people in New Orleans. The event includes a patron party, dinner and awards ceremony.
Tickets: Starting at $200
Location: Hyatt Regency New Orleans
Contact: 585-1198
