Jon Murphy and Jorge Cosenza of Taylors International
Tiffany Thorton, Tori Bowling, John Wolfe and Ben Thibeaux
Jean Hudelot, Dot Darce, Mike Lind, Michelle Hudelot and Trista Abshire
Greg Mier, Janice Cobb, Jeanne Lantier, Carolyn Hebert, Mimi Bonin, Judy Dunn, Margaret Sonnier. Back row: Wanda Lafluer and Alida Anthony
Taylors International Inc. recently celebrated the grand opening of its new corporate headquarters on South College extension in Lafayette. An estimated 250 guest and clients enjoyed a crawfish boil by Rene Prejean and specialty dishes prepared by Taylors Executive Chef Patrick Mould. Guest also enjoyed the music of Jamie Bergeron and the Kickin Cajuns. Founded in 1996 in Lafayette, Taylors began as an offshore catering company focused on serving the Gulf of Mexico region but now operates catering facilities nationwide as well as overseas. Taylors International and sister companies Phoenix Hospitality Management and JFP Services specialize in offering services such as catering, housing, labor and on-site support and logistics.
Party Girl stopped by Avant Garde on Kaliste Saloom for its grand opening celebration. Without hesitation, I grabbed a couple of nibbles and started my shopping — to heck with work. The clothing is very practical yet chic and sophisticated — just the kind of upscale boutique you’d expect from Alida Anthony. In addition to the fashion finds, I love her idea of a jewelry room. You’ve got to check out this concept.
The Acadiana Center for the Arts was the venue for the American Heart Association’s annual gala. This year’s black tie event, An Academy Affair, was named after the inaugural AHA Physician’s Academy and boasted an Academy Awards night look and feel while honoring recently retired cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon Edmund Nagem Jr. for his years of dedicated service to the field of medicine and cardiovascular disease in Acadiana. Attendees were shuttled from the MidSouth Bank parking lot in a limousine to the Acadiana Center for the Arts where they walked the red carpet and had the photos taken as the entered the building. While bidding on the silent and live auction items, attendees partook in the free flowing wine and hors d’oeuvres. Centerpieces, made of red roses, were magnificent floral works of art (thanks to Brent LaVergne of eLoquince) that accented the red and black film décor. Catered by Outback Steakhouse, dinner consisted of petite filet and steamed vegetables followed by cheesecake. Two of Party Girl’s favorite ladies, KLFY-TV10 personalities Blue Rolfes and Maria Placer, emceed the program this year.
Party On! — PG
Katie Ferguson and Jay Pierret
Karen Wyble, 2008 Heart Gala chairwoman and Dr. Edmund Nagem Jr., 2008 Heart Gala honoree
Dr. Mitchell Lirtzman and Barbra Lirtzman, co-chairs of the 2009 Heart Gala
Dr. Victor Tedesco and Sonya Tedesco
Kallie Barras, AHA regional director, and Jarett Landry after the gala