Spark of Philanthropy
“I can’t think of anyone more deserving,” said David Barksdale, outgoing board chair of the Greater New Orleans Foundation, as he lauded Christian Trousdale Brown during the recent foundation’s 2025 Spark of Philanthropy Award ceremony. The recipient of the prestigious honor, Christy Brown, was also praised by GNOF President and CEO Andy Kopplin for his “many qualities, kindness among them.” He issued further thanks and kudos for Christy Brown’s service on the selection committee that hired Kopplin, his involvement in raising money for the capital campaign, and his role in the foundation’s 100th anniversary celebration.
The event was hosted by the New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI), which, on Howard Avenue, is located almost adjacent to the Greater New Orleans Foundation’s headquarters on Harmony Circle. The GNOF board met prior to the 6-8 pm awards reception honoring Brown “for his outstanding contributions to our region.” The “by invitation only” awards reception was titled “A Celebration of Giving.”
As guests, including foundation vice chair Jeanette David-Loeb, Dickie Brennan, and Katie and Howell Crosby, entered the premises, they noticed such decorative touches as the red and gold iridescent fabric encasing the stairway railing; the for-show wedding or celebratory cakes placed on a prominent table; the distaff trio of musicians; and, once upstairs, the sumptuous array of food offerings for the hour-long cocktail reception. The heavy hors d’oeuvres, including cheeses, cornichons, olives, dips, various meats, and grapes were by NOCHI. Desserts were stationed later. Atop the tables in the awards-ceremony room were tall slender clear vases, inserted with flowers and votives, and placed on silver-blue cloths. Certain tables had reserved seating, namely for Ochsner Health and the Gustaf W. McIlhenny Foundation, the evening’s sponsors. Attending from the former was CEO Pete November, along with his wife, Stephanie. Kia Brown joined the honored Christy, managing director of NOLA Holdings, LLC, and chairman of McIlhenny Company, maker of Tabasco. In 2015, he reigned as Rex.
Both major sponsors were thanked as the program started. Figuring in the tribute video to Christy Brown were Phyllis Taylor, Judge Brian Jackson, Richard Cortizas, Patrick Dobard, Stephanie and Pete November, Andy Koppln, Dickie Brennan, Susan R. Johnson, David Barksdale, Amelie Guthrie, Beaux Jones, and Rod Rodriguez Jr. Most were sighted, especially the honoree’s daughter, the above Amelie and her husband, Greg Guthrie. Other close family members present were Christy’s brother Buzzy with spouse Joey, and their sister-in-law Liz (Mrs. Rufus) Brown.
Additional business during the formalities was the recognition of Alex Gershanik (attending with wife Maureen, daughter Sofia, and mother Ana) as the new board chair. He praised the outgoing Barksdale, saying “David, it was an honor to have served with you” and congratulated Christy Brown.
When it was time for the 2025 Spark of Philanthropy awardee Christy Brown to address the crowd, he expressed profuse appreciation, saying “This is one of the most profound awards I’ve ever had.” He continued with the importance of philanthropy, which “was not just about money but also about…hope” and how giving New Orleans is. “Caring is in our DNA.” Christy accepted the award on behalf of many and concluded with, “Let’s keep lifting one another up” and “thank you from the bottom of my heart.” With that, everyone rose to their feet to applaud.
Bienville Circle
The much-acclaimed Jewel of the South restaurant in the French Quarter was the site for the Bienville Circle Dinner of the Historic New Orleans Collection. The event celebrated the circle’s generous sponsorship of the exhibit, “Making It Home: From Vietnam to New Orleans.” Arbor House floral & fragrance provided the arrangements of flowers.
James Beard-award winning bartender Chris Hannah served cocktails, such as the French 75, Sazerac, and brandy crusta, which were sipped as socializers noshed on the restaurant’s charcuterie station, smoked fish salad, duck neck sausage, turnips with tofu and hazelnuts, foie gras parfaits, eggs “royale,” and cake. More desserts came from Angelo Brocato’s.
Making remarks were HNOC President and CEO Daniel Hammer; Bienville and Laussat Chair Lisa Wilson (with Peter); and John Stubbs, managing partner of Jewel of the South, “a classic New Orleans tavern, reimagined.” Among those turning an attentive ear were HNOC Board President Bonnie Boyd with John, Sarah and Richard Freeman, Susan and Shelby Russ, Diane Labouisse, Nancy Sorak, Nga and Dr. Patrick Quinlan, Drs. Barbara and Edwin Beckman, Roger Ogden and Ken Barnes, Shelley and Guy Winstead, Richard Dragisic and Bill Brockschmidt, Christine and Price LeBlanc, Mimi and Claude Schlesinger, and Crickett and Andrew Lapeyre.
Speakeasy Does It!
Atop the black background invitation with a depiction of a pretty flapper holding a cocktail and lolling within a crescent moon, was the headline wording “De La Salle High School Cordially Invites You To Speakeasy on St. Charles.” A patron party was followed by a three-hour gala that featured live music by 3rd Street Band, catering by Sun Ray Grill, and online and live auctions: 92 for the silent portion and three live ones. The attire? “Dressy casual for flappers and gents.”
In keeping with the “Speakeasy” theme, the annual Maroon and White Gala decorated the premises with black table cloths and gold runners, black piping and drapery, faux brick-wrapped pillars, Prohibition-era liquor bottles, string lights, and a wall of “FBI’s Most Wanted.”
The chairing consortium consisted of Heidi Lutz, gala; Jennifer Radka, auction; Karen Evanoski and Heidi Lutz, decorations; Lisa Gonzales, sponsorships; Shelly Landry, class baskets; Barbara Williamson and Karla Petrovich, raffle; and Laine Buquoi and Andrea Turner-Ferrer, volunteer. Twenty-one people served as committee members. Staff partners included De La Salle Board of Trustees Chair Bob Mineo,’73, school president Paul Kelly, events coordinator Renée Haasé, Samantha Joseph, Frankie Taffaro, and Caroline Laurent Huber.
They turned out in the spirit of the period, as did the Rev. Jeffrey Merritt, Dr. Rodrek Williams, Donna and Larry Langevin, Johnny Vidonovich, Jennifer and Harold Heno, Cheryl and Pierre Champagne, Theresa and Pete Crean, Alison and Christopher Michel, and Jane and Herb Anderson. Special thanks tapped The Bees Knees sponsors, namely the De La Salle Parents Club, Edmond Haasé ’74 and Renée, and Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company. Individuals in the next two categories were Margaret Kelly (Paul’s mom), Allen Borne Jr., and Melissa Michiels. All rated bubbly tributes.