Dress for Success' 'Suits and Salads' Luncheon
While the rain may have delayed those going to the Dress for Success' "Suits and Salads" luncheon in mid-May, and dampened some ensembles and hair, it didn't stop attendees from enjoying at this annual soiree held at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans Hotel.
Juli Miller Hart, past president of DFS New Orleans, served as the afternoon's emcee. The official program included the presentation of a Dress for Success client, Chenita Pickett-Amos, and the Volunteer of the Year award, given to Jennifer Davis. Five local style setters -- all active in the community -- modeled fashions from local stores: Marilee Hovet: W by Worth; Katie LeGardeur: Ballin's; Sue Zemanick: Söpö, Jennifer Lauscha: Mimi; and Gina Goings for Em's. Event co-chair Meaghan Ryan Bonavita also interviewed each of the boutique owners about their style and summer trends.
Keynote speaker Ti Martin of the Commander's Palace Family of Restaurants -- who at first came to the stage dressed like her Aunt Adelaide, serenaded by "We are Family"-- regaled the audience with a mixture of serious and motivational advice.
Other diversions included Cure's Neal Bodenheimer concocting the "Drink for Success," a silent auction, raffle of jewelry from Hiller Jewelry and Mignon Faget, and fashion-themed art work by Marianne Angeli Rodriguez for sale (50 percent of proceeds went to DFS).
Event co-chairs Shon Baker and Sarah Martzolf, DFS President Diane Riche (who presented the Volunteer of the Year Award), Dinah Campbell, Detrich Hebert, Eliza Eugene, Jamie Moreau, Phyllis Taylor, Sheila Davlin, Clem Goldberger, Kendall Carriere, Dorothy Clyne, Erika Olinger, Patricia Brinson, Carolyn Fitzpatrick, Carol Suggs, Dottie Brennan, Pam and Bill Ryan, Jerri Cullinan, Carolyn Elder, Tremekia Jones, Essence Harris-Banks, Tamu Jack, Annette Houston and Tellisha Steer were just a few who attended this event that raises funds to help provide women with professional attire, as well a network for career development and support.
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