Celebration's been the reason for local parties lately. From birthdays to fundraising to grand openings complete with celebrities, the fêtes are heating up! Jeff Elmore's 35th birthday was a cause to celebrate at Zeus Café recently, where his wife, Jan, and mom, Connie, threw him a surprise party. But in addition to Zeus' lively dancing and great Greek and Lebanese food, Connie created masks for party guests to wear, making for an interesting evening. I'll bet Jeff was surprised to find out each mask was a picture of him at a different age, ranging from six months to age 34. Sporting Jeff masks were his father Wayne, mother-in-law Judy Knox, Hunter Roy and Brittany Paterson. Happy Birthday from Party Girl, Jeff!
Successful fundraising is another reason for celebrating, and that's exactly what local women's group Avec Souci did after its spring garden tour. The group met to honor the recipients of its 18th annual Les Beaux Jardins Garden Tour funds, including Faith House, Acadiana Arts Council, Lafayette Community Health Care Clinic, The Sunshine Foundation Inc., Acadiana Therapeutic Riding Association, Acadiana Outreach Center and the UL Lafayette Foundation. Then Avec Souci members gathered again at Bailey's Restaurant for their annual Installation of Officers Luncheon. Those girls just love to socialize, and of course Bailey's is always a treat! President Paula Gibbens welcomed incoming President Linda Kidd, Vice President Elaine Ness, Secretary Sharon McCarthy and Treasurer Ann Jordon. The gals looked très cute in their summer pastels of violet, pink and blue, especially Linda in her pink dress printed with palm trees for the luncheon and her bright flowered skirt and orange top for the awarding of funds. You go girl!
Still more celebrating went on in Lake Charles at the VIP opening party at L'Auberge du Lac Hotel & Casino, attended by some recognizable celebrities. Lionel Richie joined the party before taking the stage, as did Jay Leno. Both were surprise guests for hundreds of VIPs, who also took in a golf clinic, private yoga lessons by the resort pool, spa treatments and fashion shows. Now, that's Party Girl's kind of VIP event. In addition to Richie and Leno, guests got to see Ricky Van Shelton and Asleep at the Wheel in the casino's Jack Daniel's Bar & Grill. "Our guests were treated to some amazing performances and surprises over the weekend," says Vice President and General Manager Larry Lepinski. "You never know who's going to show up here, and we intend to keep the surprises coming." Don't forget to fill Party Girl in, Larry!
Party On! ' PG