Text Box: 13th Annual Women of Substance Luncheon and Silent Auction Text Box: Grace House Text Box:

 

Honoring Women in Law Enforcement

May 9, 2008
Text Box: On May 9th, Grace House was proud to host its 13th Annual Women of Substance Luncheon at the Audubon Tea Room. Colonel Anella Wilson-Joseph, Keva Landrum-Johnson, Cecile Tebo, and Jenny L. Tripkovich were honored as Women in Law Enforcement who serve as excellent role models for Grace House clients. Grace House was also proud to honor Stacy Horn Koch, the Executive Director of Covenant House, Deanie C., Grace House’s Alumna of the Year, and Curtis Pinkerton, Volunteer of the Year. We were delighted to sell out the event this year with over 400 attendees, including special guest Irma Thomas and past honoree Gayle Batt. The event began just outside the Audubon Tea Room with the silent auction, which featured many wonderful items like spa packages, original artwork, jewelry, restaurant certificates, Continental airline tickets, hotel packages, and much much more! Local artist Daniel Garcia displayed his bas-relief woodcarving portrait of Grace House and painted it as attendees bid on items in the silent auction. The Craft Brothers entertained guests outside with their jazz duets. After the silent auction, the Master of Ceremonies, Mark Romig, invited Father John Arnone to lead everyone in prayer. Kellie Rish sang a beautiful rendition of “Amazing Grace.” While the salads were being served, guests enjoyed the delicate songs of harpist Meredith Arnold and the informal modeling of the Banana Republic line by volunteers from the Banana Republic stores. As the main course was served, each of our honorees was given their award and each took a brief moment to speak insightful words of wisdom, encouragement, gratitude, or inspiring life stories. As dessert was served, Mr. Romig emceed an exciting live auction, which included donations from The Public Belt Railroad, The Hornets, and Georges Enterprises, LLC. The high bidders walked away happily with a 4 hour ride on the private railroad car, “Louisiana”, appetizers/drinks and courtside tickets with George and Denise Shinn of the Hornets and a signed team Hornets ball, and a Grand Isle getaway fishing trip on board the luxurious Fourchon houseboat. Eneid A. Francis was the chair of our outstanding committee of over 25 members, who volunteered their time and artistic skills to help make this event come together. Jennifer Rowland was our Decorations Committee Chairwoman and Kellie Rish was our Silent Auction Committee Chairwoman. Grace House is extremely grateful for their participation in making this event a success. We would also like to give a warm thank you to all the volunteers, sponsors, donors, and everyone who attended the luncheon for making this an enjoyable time for everyone and a success for Grace House. Click HERE to view more pictures from the event!

For more information, please contact:

Lucy Gossett, Administrative Assistant

(504) 899-2423

lgossett@gracehouseneworleans.org
Text Box: Things to check out! Text Box: (L to R) Keva Landrum-Johnson, Colonel Anella Wilson-Joseph, Cecile Tebo, Grace House Executive Director Michelle Gaiennie, Jenny L. Tripkovich, and Stacy Horn-Koch.