Louisiana Appleseed’s 2013 ‘Good Apple Gala’

The apple didn’t fall far from the tree – or in this case the seed – at Louisiana Appleseed’s 2013 “Good Apple Gala,” which was hosted in the National World War II Museum’s Stage Door Canteen in January. The gala was held to honor the outstanding attorneys and professionals who have graciously volunteered their time to social justice projects “at the policy, or systemic, level.”

Event co-chairs Betsy Regnell, Elwood Cahill, Linda Perez Clark, Caroline Fayard and Mark Samuels organized a fabulous night of celebration and thanks. The 2013 honorees – Ashley Gonzalez of King, Krebs & Jurgens PLLC; Alvin Miester of Sher, Garner, Cahill, Richter, Klein & Hilbert, L.L.C.; Allison Berger Tiller of The Berger Company, Inc.; and the Louisiana State Bar Association’s Access to Justice Committee – received awards featuring handcrafted blown-glass apples by artist James Vella of Vella Vetro Glass Studios and Studio Inferno, which were presented to them by board president Caroline Fayard and Elwood Cahill, who serves on the Board of Directors.

Dr. Michael White’s world-renowned jazz melodies perfectly matched the community activists’ unbridled energy and enthusiasm that evening. The record-setting number of guests at this year’s gala feasted on catering provided by famed chef John Besh, which included crab and corn bisque and smoked beef brisket with Mayhaw preserves. Basin Street Records donated 12 albums, including artists Rebirth Brass Band and Los Hombres Calientes, for a deluxe door prize. The event also featured a fine wine raffle donated by Hopper’s Carte des Vins.

Event at a Glance

What: “Good Apple Gala,” benefitting Louisiana Appleseed
When: Thursday, January 17
Where: The National WWII Museum’s Stage Door Canteen