The UL Lafayette Alumni Center's beautiful grounds were the setting for the 2006 Spring Gala, honoring Braxton I. Moody III for his commitment to the university and Acadiana. Mr. Moody got the business smarts he's applied so well in his successful career from the Ragin' Cajun university. Heck, the institution's highly regarded College of Business Administration is even named after him! And this year's gala was a spectacular event. The food by Townhouse Restaurant & Caterer was so tasty, and Icarus Trio's musical entertainment under the starlit sky was the perfect touch to this fundraiser, which helps improve and maintain the Alumni Center. Though Party Girl's bid fell a bit short, I have to admit that one of the highlights of the night was the U.S. Open silent auction package, awarded to lucky bidders Robert and Coni Trahan, who got airfare, accommodations and two passes to the sold-out tournament at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, New York this June. I also missed out on the two Ragin' Cajun packages that were sold (just wait till next year, mes amis), one to J.D. Morein and the other to Red Dumesnil. The packages included a trip for two on the team plane to see Louisiana's Ragin' Cajun football team battle Troy University, two all-sports season passes and use of a sky box with three friends for one home football game. (I'm sure hoping I get an invite.) A group of ladies who looked absolutely smashing ' the "Ladies in Red" ' included Dawn Moody, Karren Hays and Janice Sikes. Among the other 500 or so who turned out for the event were J.J. and Monique Burdin, Wayne and Connie Elmore, Dr. Mary Neiheisel, Leo Honeycutt, Steve and Sylvia Oats, and Gene and Julia Lognion.
Speaking of UL events, another fundraiser was held a few nights later, Night of Red and White, a fitting title for a terrific inaugural wine event that raised more than $8,000 for the university's hospitality program and the Acadiana Chapter of the Louisiana Restaurant Association. Participants enjoyed a tasting of perfectly selected wines from Republic Beverage grouped with dishes prepared by 15 of Acadiana's finest restaurants in collaboration with UL's senior hospitality students. "This event gives our students valuable interaction with professional chefs in our area," says Hospitality Management instructor Becky Gaspard. Geaux rouge, Geaux blanc ' here's to making this Night of Red and White an annual event!
Party Girl got her final fill of education-related events with the Lafayette Public Library Foundation's May awards luncheon at River Oaks. Awards and All That Jazz, with music by The Melting Pot Jazz Band, recognized those who support this superb community learning resource. The Foundation Award was presented to the City of Carencro for its generous donation of the land for the new Carencro library, Acadiana Dodge received the Major Donor Award, and longtime library supporter Arthur Greene was honored with the President's Award. Among attendees were Sona Dombourian, Ann Knight, Sally Burdette, Marie Koury, and Carencro Mayor Glenn Brasseaux. The foundation also presented the Lafayette Public Library with a check for $12,000. Now that'll buy a lot of cooking and entertaining books for Party Girl's reading pleasure!
Party On! ' PG