From a chili cook-off to author Scott Turow to honoring Acadiana's top philanthropists
BBR Creative hosted its annual vendor and media thank you breakfast Nov. 14 at Café Vermilionville. Guests started the morning with mimosas, coffee and tasty treats prepared by the Café V staff while BBR's Monica Hebert encouraged a little creativity in decorating pumpkins and filling out ad libs that told zany tales of the talented blonde, brunette and redhead who founded the firm 16 years ago. Partners Cathi Pavy, Cherie Hebert and Sara Ashy spoke on BBR's achievements over the past year, noting, in particular, that without vendor and media support, BBR's "Plan Lafayette" campaign could not have been a success. The campaign is part of the parish's comprehensive plan initiative.
1. Nathan Calhoun, Rodney Hess and Burt Durand
2. Pam Begneaud, Lelia John, Sheree Prince and Robin Chapman
3. Bria Wheeler and Emily Burke
4. Patricia Thompson and Julie Gauthier
5. Scott Rachal and Mike Bass
The Community Foundation of Acadiana hosted its 2013 Leaders in Philanthropy awards luncheon on Nov. 15 at the Cajundome Convention Center. Outstanding philanthropists from Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St Martin, St. Mary and Vermilion parishes were recognized - from Lafayette Parish, Bo and Jerry Ramsay were honored for their giving to social, faith-based, civic and professional organizations, including the Episcopal School of Acadiana and the UL Lafayette Alumni Association. Keynote speaker was Roy Spence, co-founder and chairman of communications company GSD&M and CEO of consulting firm The Purpose Institute. The Community Foundation of Acadiana was established in 2000 as a donor-focused means of allowing individuals, families, corporations and foundations to find a way to enrich the community through philanthropic work.
1. Ed Hebert, Felix and Jayne Soileau, Scott Sudduth and Angela Cole
2. Judi LeJeune and Cherie Hebert
3. Andy and Kay Hartiens
4. Dwight "Bo" and Jerry Ramsay receiving award from Raymond Hebert
5. "Bo" and Jerry Ramsay
6. Erin Winder and Roy Spence
7. Charlotte and Jim Doyle
On Nov. 7, competitors and chili lovers gathered in the parking lot of the Acadiana Mall to decide who would reign supreme at the second annual Frank's International Chili Cook-Off. Teams served up their chili and even a song and dance, like that from the fiesta-themed group from R&D Engineering. Costumes or not, taste testers all agreed that the people's choice winner was the chili from High Tech Components; Scott Candebat and Joey LeRouge accepted the award on behalf of their team. Another big winner was Benjamin Frith, who took home a K2 cooler from the FoodNet canned goods drive raffle. The chilly fall day proved perfect for heating things up with some spice all while helping benefit the programs of United Way of Acadiana and FoodNet.
1. Mary Ann Mitchell and Linda Broussard
2. Vuth Chanthalangsy, Patrick Luke, Sith Thalanh and Maria Ordoyne
3. Parker Stough and Heather Norder
4. Marissa Guidry and Becky Mendoza
5. Marie Tabor, Kyle Theriot and Alecia Grantham
6. Scott Candebat and Joey LeRouge
7. John Wright and Donna Thompson
8. Benjamin Frith
Best-selling author and attorney Scott Turow rounded out the IND Lecture Series Dec. 4 at the Hilton with insight on the journey from author to Hollywood followed by a Q&A with Lafayette Bar Association President Blake David and a book signing. Turow, a practicing lawyer whose legal thrillers like Presumed Innocent have hit the top of the best-seller list and the box office, was LBA's first pick to wrap up the series sponsored by IberiaBank and the law firm of Jones Walker. He proved a wise choice with a quick wit covering topics from visits with Harrison Ford to network takeovers and answering questions on the death penalty and campaign finance reform all before closing with a book signing for lecture guests. His latest work, Identical, is a New York Times best seller.
1. Erin and Mike Bass
2. Blake David and Gary Kraus
3 Dona Renegar, Will Grubbs and Laura Putnam
4. Flo Meadows and Jill Merkl
5. Lewis Simon, Robert Waddell, John Kolwe and Donald Washington
6. Jerry Prejean, Scott Turow, Donald Washington and Blake David
7. Cherry Fisher May
8. Scott Turow
9. Blake David, Geoff Dyer, Nathan Norris and Pat Trahan
10. Scott Turow signs books for lecture guests