Published: Monday, July 11, 2011, 12:10 AM
By Nell Nolan NOLA.com
Three recent events made “toast, ” heritage, and art the activity.
Daniel Erath DANIEL ERATH / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE Bobby Hebert Golf tournament to benefit Cystic Fibrosis. Archie Manning, Joan Hebert, T-Bob Hebert. Thursday June 2, 2011.
Bobby Hebert Golf gallery (3 photos)
The Hilton Riverside was the site for the “Toast to Bobby” presented bt the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The “Bobby” bounty was the 40th anniversary of the At&T Bobby Hebert Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Golf Classic. He and spouse Joan smiled as the honorary chaircouple.
From 6-7 p.m., the cocktail hour gathered the guests, who turned an attentive ear to the cool jazz music provided by DJ Andrew Bourque and an eye to the array of auction items. There were 38 in the silent portion, such as a Bevolo lantern, Allen Edmonds golf shoes, and an Archie Manning-autographed jersey with, as respective purchasers, Stephanie Hanson, Dr. Mickey Gallagher and Connie Alotto. Stephanie also placed a winning bid in the live auction for a 25th anniversary-Saints football autographed by the entire team and donated by honoree/football luminary Bobby Hebert and Joan. Chef Justin Devillier’s offer “to cook at your home for a party” created friendly rivalry between bidders Diane Whitman (the “winner”) and Ralph Marshall. The generous chef then added a second dinner for Ralph if he’d agree to match the top bid. He did.
At 7 p.m., everyone was asked to sit down. Moments later, “Stand up and Get Crunk” was cued and Bobby Hebert joined the party “in true Cajun Cannon fashion.” Chuck Mutz was cast as both master of ceremonies and auctioneer.
Honorary chairman emeritus Archie Manning, who served as the honorary chairman of this event for 25 years, said a few words, honoring individuals who have had an impact on the tournament for the past four decades. Also up to speak was Trey Roberts, the husband of a CF patient, who addressed the realities of the disease.
From the vantage point of a king’s chair on the stage, Bobby Hebert listened to the toasts, among which were those from Brad Edelman and Steve Korte (with wife Korelis) about their football days. The honoree did not hesitate with jocular rebuttals. Then came a toast from Joan Hebert, Bobby’s wife, and her reading of tributes from three of his unable-to-attend children. Bobby’s oldest son, T-Bob, closed out the program with a heartfelt toast, eliciting a few tears from his dad.
Within the audience, and applauding the fun and fame, were event chairman John Holmes and wife Melissa, founding tournament chairman Garic Schoen and Susan (John Holmes is their grandson), Joe Riband of AT&T, tournment director at Lakewood Golf Course Jay Maumus, and from CFF as staff, Ashley Mills (executive director), Michelle Dugas and Anna Kate Casanova. And, to chair the auction, duo Kaya Koban and Melyne Holmes (with Collin), Stephanie Roberts with Trey, Joe McManus, Dr. Jeffrey and Ashley Kuo, Stella Del Bianco and Fulvio, and Wayne and Diane Whitman with their daughter, Leigh.
The actual golf tournament was at the newly renovated Lakewood Golf course the following day and raised a net of more than $80,000. All “fore” one during this 40th event.
At a nearby venue, the W Hotel New Orleans, but on a different night, the Vietnamese American Young Leaders Association (VAYLA) held its Heritage & Hope Gala, “celebrating our past to define our future.” Herman Herman Katz & Cotlar was the lead sponsor. (Others were the Greater New Orleans Foundation, Waltzer & Wiygul Law Firm, Armstrong Shoring, and IWES: Women & Ethnic). Troy Sawyer provided the patron party entertainment. Later performances were by the VAYLA youth: a Lion Dance by Versailes Lion Dance Team; traditional cultural dance by Anna Vu, Victoria Tran, Ashley Vu, Nancy Mai, Tracy Mai, Courtney Mai and Elaisa Vanegas; a hip-hop dance by Visible Rhythms; and Cassandra Tran’s ukewood (spoken word acompanied by a ukelele) performance. The stage was set against a dramatic backdrop of four banners.
Among the many features of the gala, which amassed more than 200 attendees, was the awards ceremony, the tasty menu (with choices of filet mignon or vegetarian), centerpieces of fresh peonies, and the keynote message of speaker Peggy Saika. Hung Nguyen was the gala chairman, Andrew-Bryan Nguyen the master of ceremonies, and Dave Dat Tran, the VAYLA board chairman. His wife acompanied him.
Noted, too, and all had relevant titles, were Soren Gisleson, Joel and Toni Waltzer, the Van Phams, Aidan Gill, Flozell Daniel, Xuan Dung Margaret Nguyen, the John-Hoa Nguyens, Sun Kim and Kee Lee, Ryan Albright, Joana Manalac, Daniel Nguyen, Cyndi Nguyen, Doua Thor, and from VAYLA, executive director Minh Nguyen and secretary Tung Ly.
Social brush strokes underscored another event: the 59th annual luncheon given by the New Orleans Art Association. It was held at Ralph’s on the Park with Marilyn Vicknair as the organizer and hostess. After libations on the veranda and a delightful lunch the officers — president Joyce Laporte, Gwen Tappin, Wade Langlois, Doris Cowan, Brenda Delle, Jan Wilken and Joan Leblanc — were sworn in for their second term. Among the “Art” attendees were Chantell Laporte, Pat Caraccioli, Claudia and Jules Chatelain, Maliroy Galle, Santa Griswold, Darlene Johnson, Lynn King, Cynthia Nash, Carol Patai, Lou Lou Tidmore, Myrle Van, Dale Vicknair, Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Dugas, Polly Johnson, Claire Olivier, Mary Raymond, Diana Cangemi, and Dorothy Stakelum.
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Nell Nolan can be reached at nnolan@timespicayune.com or 504.826.3455.
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