Spring 2012 “Every great city needs a great park that needs great friends!” Lark in the Park Makes a Grand Entrance On Friday, March 2, 2012, more than 800 people gathered to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Lark in the Park. Event chairs Gayle Benson, Margo DuBos and Juli Miller Hart, along with honorary chair Genevieve “Gen” Trimble led the festivities. With the theme “Lark Makes A Grand Entrance”, this year’s event will support the construction of a new entrance for the Botanical Garden and Storyland. In keeping with the theme of honoring past memories of City Park, the evening began with a Patron Party in the newly renovated Peristyle. The proceeds from Lark 2010 were designated for the restoration of this iconic park structure. Catered by Chef Donald Link of Herbsaint, Cochon and Cochon Butcher, and with music provided by the Peristyle Quartet, sponsors and patrons enjoyed an elegant start to the evening which included a video presentation of the 30 best memories of City Park. Honorary Lark Chair Genevieve “Gen” Trimble and City Park Executive Director Beau Bassich unveiled a rendering of the plans for the new entrance. The gathering then second- lined down the red carpet from the Peristyle to the Goldring/Woldenberg Great Lawn where a magnificent tent was constructed for the occasion. Top level sponsors of Lark 2012 were honored with specially designed VIP areas, each representing a different area of City Park. The VIP tents were decorated by well- known interior designers: Estella’s/Kent Ozborn & Robert Smith; Kappa Designs, LLC/Constantine Kritikos; The Plant Gallery & JADE/Jennifer & Kenny Rabalais; Susan Taylor Interiors, ASID/Susan Taylor; and Mary von Kurnatowski. Leif Pedersen’s 1944 Big Band got the crowd dancing, and more than 50 local restaurants provided a wide-range of delicacies. The evening also featured a one-of-a kind live auction with items ranging from the ultimate Saints experience to a relaxing spa get-away to the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne. Auctioneer Ruthie Winston kept the action lively as the six unique items were quickly snapped up. Lark 2012 kicked into high gear for the late night “Party Flock” crowd when Big Sam’s Funky Nation took to the stage. Big Sam kept the dance floor packed until the event concluded. Friends of City Park President Dessa Rutter Giffin best summed up Lark 2012 describing it as “unprecedented and outstanding on all accounts”. Beau Bassich, Executive Director of City Park & Genevieve “Gen” Trimble, Lark 2012 honorary chair, present a rendering of the new Grand Entrance for Storyland and the Botanical Garden. Lark 2012 Chairs Juli Miller Hart, Gayle Benson and Margo DuBos with Tom Benson. Lark 2012 Sponsorship Chairs Barbara Hammett and Janet Larue with Paul Soniat, Director of Botanical Garden. Photos by: Karl Ault Photography
Transcript
S p r i n g 2 0 1 2
“ E v e r y g r e a t c i t y n e e d s a g r e a t p a r k t h a t n e e d s g r e a t f r i e n d s ! ”
Lark inthe ParkMakes a GrandEntrance
On Friday, March 2, 2012,more than 800 people gatheredto celebrate the 30th anniversaryof Lark in the Park. Eventchairs Gayle Benson, MargoDuBos and Juli Miller Hart,along with honorary chairGenevieve “Gen” Trimble ledthe festivities. With the theme“Lark Makes A Grand Entrance”,this year’s event will support the construction of a newentrance for the BotanicalGarden and Storyland.
In keeping with the theme of honoring past memories ofCity Park, the evening beganwith a Patron Party in the newly renovated Peristyle. The proceeds from Lark 2010 weredesignated for the restoration ofthis iconic park structure.Catered by Chef Donald Link of Herbsaint, Cochon andCochon Butcher, and with musicprovided by the PeristyleQuartet, sponsors and patronsenjoyed an elegant start to theevening which included a videopresentation of the 30 best memories of City Park.Honorary Lark Chair Genevieve“Gen” Trimble and City ParkExecutive Director Beau Bassichunveiled a rendering of the plansfor the new entrance.
The gathering then second-lined down the red carpet from the Peristyle to theGoldring/Woldenberg GreatLawn where a magnificent tent was constructed for theoccasion. Top level sponsors ofLark 2012 were honored withspecially designed VIP areas,each representing a differentarea of City Park. The VIP tents were decorated by well-known interior designers:Estella’s/Kent Ozborn & Robert Smith; Kappa Designs,
LLC/Constantine Kritikos; ThePlant Gallery & JADE/Jennifer& Kenny Rabalais; SusanTaylor Interiors, ASID/SusanTaylor; and Mary vonKurnatowski. Leif Pedersen’s1944 Big Band got the crowddancing, and more than 50local restaurants provided awide-range of delicacies. The evening also featured aone-of-a kind live auction withitems ranging from the ultimateSaints experience to a relaxingspa get-away to the Ritz
Carlton Key Biscayne.Auctioneer Ruthie Winston keptthe action lively as the six uniqueitems were quickly snapped up.Lark 2012 kicked into high gearfor the late night “Party Flock”crowd when Big Sam’s FunkyNation took to the stage. Big Samkept the dance floor packed untilthe event concluded.
Friends of City Park PresidentDessa Rutter Giffin best summedup Lark 2012 describing it as“unprecedented and outstandingon all accounts”.
Beau Bassich, Executive Director of City Park & Genevieve “Gen” Trimble, Lark 2012 honorary chair, present a rendering of the new Grand Entrance for Storyland and the Botanical Garden.
Lark 2012 Chairs Juli Miller Hart, Gayle Benson and Margo DuBoswith Tom Benson.
Lark 2012 Sponsorship Chairs Barbara Hammettand Janet Larue with Paul Soniat, Director ofBotanical Garden.
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2 0 1 2F r i e n d s o f C i t y P a r k
B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s
O F F I C E R S
P re s i d e n t
D e s s a R u t t e r G i f f i n
P re s i d e n t - e l e c t
M a r y J o h n s o n
Tre a s u re r
J a c k i e P a l u m b o
Tre a s u re r - e l e c t
R o n O ’ R o r k e
R e c o rd i n g S e c re t a r y
L a n a L o v i c k
I m m e d i a t e P a s t P re s i d e n t
D e b b i e P e r r o n e
B o a r d M e m b e r s
L i s e t t e B a y l e
J o e y M a r c o t t e B r o w n
S u s a n C o u v i l l o n
K a r e n D e B l i e u x
J e a n i e F a v r e t
B a r b a r a H a m m e t t
S u z e t t e H e r p i c h
N i n a K i l l e e n
J a n e t L a r u e
L u c i l l e M c D o n n e l l
M a r y H a s s i n g e r S c h m i d t
E d i t o r
L i s e t t e B a y l e
E x e c u t i v e D i re c t o r
R o d n e y T h o u l i o n
M e m b e r s h i p C o o rd i n a t o r
C a s i e D u p l e c h a i n
S p e c i a l E v e n t s / M a r k e t i n g C o o rd i n a t o r
S u s a n N i e s e t H u d l o w
A c c o u n t a n t
M i c h e l l e B a r k e m e y e r
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Hello Dear Friends! Spring is here and so much
is happening in City Park! The 30th anniversary of the Friends of City Park’s Lark in the Park,our signature fundraiser, held on Friday, March 2 was an unprecedented success on allaccounts!! To date this is THElargest, single fundraising event for Friends of City Park. We farsurpassed our goal well inadvance of the event and the numbers continue to soar thanks to the raffle of a 2012FIAT POP 500 Hatchback courtesy of the Ray Brandt Auto Group. For details and topurchase raffle tickets, go to www.friendsofcitypark.com .Congratulations to Lark’sdynamic chair people GayleBenson, Margo DuBos and JuliMiller Hart and honorary chairGenevieve “Gen” Trimble.Special thanks also to Jerri
President’sMessage
2 • Friends of City Park • Spring 2012
Cullinan. What pizazz, talent andvision she lent to the night! Wealso had tremendous support from our incredible anniversary committee chairs, their respectivecommittees and the entire CityPark and Friends of City Parkstaff. One of the most excitingaspects of the whole journey was the tremendous park-widecollaboration, planning and team-work that made it all possible.
To spark this special Lark, a champagne reception kickoff,Toast to the Oaks was held onFriday, January 6 in the ArborRoom. Jackie Palumbo, Friends’Treasurer and board member,chaired the premier Toast to theOaks. Former Lark chairs werehonored and presented with a limited edition India Stewart2012 Lark in the Park commemo-rative pin. Some pins are stillavailable for purchase online onour website.
As the evening of Lark in the Park 2012 unfolded, “Wow” wasthe echo throughout the night!The Patron Party was held in thePeristyle, newly refurbished withfunds from Lark 2010. The Galabegan on a red-carpeted entranceleading into a galleried Wall of Fame and into the tentedGoldring/Woldenberg GreatLawn. Inside the tent, individually designed VIP tentsmade it even more festive andmemorable.
A highlight of the night wasthe high-spirited auction. Some of the unique auction items werea Sugar Baron’s Dinner atHoumas House, stunning H.Stern
Dessa Rutter Giffin, PresidentFriends of City Park
Follow Friends of City Park on
earrings paired with a Saks shopping spree and a JADE/PlantGallery gift package.
With the theme “Lark Makes aGrand Entrance!” many ralliedfor the cause joining old and newfriends spanning Lark’s 30 year history. The 2012 Lark funds arededicated to the creation of a newGrand Entrance to Storyland and the Botanical Garden at the site of the Little Casino building. So, in case you missed the party you can still contribute to thecause! Buy your car raffle tickets today and keep themomentum going!
As we all know success breedssuccess and the Friends have several more popular, upcomingevents including Friends’ Fest on Thursday, July 25, 2012;Martini Madness on Friday,September 21, 2012 and Ghostsin the Oaks in October.
There’s much to enjoy at CityPark and being a member savesyou money!
Friends’ members need toenjoy the many “member-only”benefits throughout City Park and spread the word!! Details of future Friends’ activities andbenefits are on our website. Theywill be featured in our newslettersand in the City Park enewsletters.
For further information, please call the Friends’ office at 504-483-9376.
As always, it is a pleasure,honor and privilege to serve.
Dessa Rutter Giffin
Toast to the OaksKicking off the30th AnniversaryLark in the Parkcelebration withToast to the Oaks in the Arbor Room!
L to R: HonoraryLark ChairGenevieve “Gen”Trimble, Friends’President DessaGiffin, ExecutiveDirector RodneyThoulion and ToastChair JackiePalumbo raise atoast.
Spring is here which means Tad Gormley Memorial Stadium will hostmany gatherings including track meets. The schedule of events will staybusy through the high school football season. Opened on October 24, 1937,the stadium was named for a famed coach and City Park athletic director.He died in 1965. The Federal Emergency Relief Administration partiallyfunded the stadium proposal and construction began in 1935.
The park lacked matching funds to complete the stadium until DixieBeer Brewer Valentine Merz died, leaving the park $37,500 which helpedcomplete the project.
Enhance your home and garden with beautifulgreenery purchased from theNew Orleans BotanicalGarden. Mark your calendarwith these upcoming plantsale and garden show events:
Spring 2012 • Friends of City Park • 3
Picture from the Past
NOBG Offers Plants for Purchase
APRIL 14 – APRIL 15Spring Garden Show10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
MAY 12Pelican Greenhouse9:00 a.m. – Noon
JUNE 9Pelican Greenhouse 9:00 a.m. - Noon
JULY 14Pelican Greenhouse9:00 a.m. - Noon
AUGUST 11Pelican Greenhouse9:00 a.m. - Noon
SEPTEMBER 29-30Fall Garden Festival10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
OCTOBER 13Pelican Greenhouse9:00 a.m. - Noon
The Pelican Greenhouse is located just off Henry Thomas (Golf) Drive just south of the
I-610 underpass. Bring a wagon and arrive early for best selection.
First, let me congratulate theFriends for holding a splendidLark in the Park. It was trulymemorable and promises toraise more money than any previous event. These funds are dedicated to the newGarden entrance which isacross the street from theGoldring/Woldenberg GreatLawn. Hats off to Juli MillerHart, Gayle Benson and MargoDuBos, the event’s co-chairsand everyone on their
committee. Kudos also to theFriends staff which put in atremendous effort. Now totop it for next year!
Next, I want to point outthe work to restore thePeristyle which is currently in the final stages. Onceagain, Friends provided most of the money to restorethis historic icon.
Finally, construction is underway at the Festival andRecreation Grounds behindChristian Brothers School anddesign plans are being final-ized for “big and little golf” –the new full length golfcourse on Wisner and theMiniature Golf Course acrossfrom Storyland. We expect tobegin design on the newSplash Park soon, as well ason improvements along Tri-Centennial Place which is between Victory Drive andDreyfous in the front of thePark. Lighting at the DogPark has also been completed.
The Park is crowded with many events and activities.Drive carefully when you are coming or going from
Letter fromthe CEO
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2 0 1 2 N e w O r l e a n s C i t y P a r kI m p r o v e m e n t A s s o c i a t i o n
O F F I C E R SP re s i d e n t
R o b e r t E d w a r d S m i t h L u p oP re s i d e n t - e l e c t
Wi l l i a m H o f f m a nVi c e P re s i d e n t
S u s a n B r e n n a nVi c e P re s i d e n t
E d m u n d S c h r e n kVi c e P re s i d e n tL a r r y K a t z
S e c re t a r yJ a c k i e S h r e v e s
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B o a r d o f C o m m i s s i o n e r sS t e v e n B i n g l e r S u s a n B r e n n a n J a n e S . B r o o k s
J o e y M a r c o t t e B r o w nE d g a r C h a s e
J a c q u e l y n C l a r k s o n K a r e n D e B l i e u x
S . S t e w a r t F a r n e tK a r e n F e r n a n d e z
T h o m a s G . F i e r k eD e s s a R u t t e r G i f f i n
S u s a n G u i d r yB e n H a l e s
Wi l l i a m D . H o f f m a nM a r y J o h n s o n
L a r r y K a t zE r r o l L a b o r d eTi m L a F r a n c a
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J a c k i e P a l u m b oJ o e P a p p a l a r d oD a v i d P a y t o nS t e v e n P e t t u s
C l e l a n d P o w e l lM a r k C . R o m i g
G e r a r d S c h o e n , I I IE d m u n d S c h r e n k
J a c k i e S h r e v e sR o n n i e S l o n e
E l i z a b e t h S l o s sWi l l Tr e g r eR i t a Ve s i c h
M i c h a e l J . M a r s i g l i aPast President /Ex Off ic io
E u g e n e P r e a u sRepresent ing Botanical Garden Foundat ion
C h i e f E x e c u t i v e O f f i c e rR o b e r t W. B e c k e r , P h . D .
E x e c u t i v e D i re c t o rB e a u L . B a s s i c h
C h i e f O p e r a t i n g O f f i c e r R o b e r t D e Vi n e y
C h i e f D e v e l o p m e n t O f f i c e rJ o h n H o p p e r
C h i e f A d m i n i s t r a t i v e O f f i c e rG e o r g e P a r k e r
C o n t ro l l e rK e v i n C o x
Show Your Park Pride
Show everyone you support City Park by wearing this stylish oak leaf and acorn pin.
Designed by renowned local artist India Stewart, it commemorates the 30th anniversary of Lark in the Park.
This gold-plated pin symbolizes the majestic live oaks that grace City Park’s 1,300 acres. The pin is available for purchase on City Park’s website
for $30 plus $3 shipping and handling.
MemorialsIn memory of Carlos Cashio
Herman AbryAugust Barbier
G. Robert BoasbergDorothy Cashio
Anna CurrieMolly Dickson
Harry GoreHoward GreenVita Gregorio
Michael GuariscoDorothy HatrelWylie Jewell
Stacey LechlerMichael & Nancy Marsiglia
Edward MathesTasha Smith
Mary StockmeyerHelen UllrichAgnes WardEarl WeiserRita Winters
Barriere Construction Co., LLCDurr Heavy Construction
John C. Williams Architects, LLCLinfield, Hunter & Junius
Morphy Makofsky Incorporated
In memory of Sophia ChurchMichael & Nancy Marsiglia
In memory of Albert J. Clark, Jr.Penelope DiMartino
Kellen KarbelDeborah Lewis
Julie OreckSandra Crowder
In memory of Ronald FontanaCharles CostanzaNarcisse Otillio
In memory of Herbert H. HorstHenrietta Deters
In memory of Earl SpindelJean Drufner
an activity in the Park for everyone’ssafety.
Since we have apparently skippedwinter, look for early blooming plantsthroughout the Park as well as trees budding out. Enjoy the spring!
Robert W. Becker Ph.D.Chief Executive OfficerCity Park
Spring 2012 • Friends of City Park • 5
VolunteersValuing our
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our terrific volunteerswho really banded together to make sure that all was in place for the 30thannual Lark in the Park. We are grateful to all of you who picked up thefood at restaurants, draped plants, arranged flowers, put out supplies, soldraffle tickets, drove golf carts for the patron guests, served food and themyriad of other activities to ensure the success of our Friends of City Parkevent. Our volunteers are the best!
VOLUNTEERS:Barbra AlexanderCatherine BaileyMignonne & Johnny
BankstonLatonya BaptisteJoyce BarrosseDiane & Harold BaurLisette BayleTeniesha BiagasLedora Yerks-BirdlowWilliam BirdsallClementia BoadaConnie BoudreauxBrenda BourgeoisCheryl & Lee CabesEileen & Dennis CampbellSonya CarrAlice & Emile CloutetYvette & Bruce & ColaCarolyn ConstanceRachael KostelecBeth EbbermanJeanie FavretMike Findeis
Lark in the Park
Pam FontanaJudi GuthCheryl HentzeElaine HinojosaBill IbarraJoan IngramMichelle & Javier
Mary Johnson, theincoming president ofFriends of City Park, does an annual runthrough the park with her family on Christmasday. While running thisyear, they saw a bird that looked very unusual.They took this picture and sure enough, it wasnot on the list of birdsever seen in the park.So now, thanks to theJohnson family, the Anhinga is a new birdlisted as seen in the park.
Friends of City ParkMembers receive freeunlimited admission to theSpring Garden Show onApril 14th and 15th from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.! The annualSpring Garden Show will be held in the BotanicalGarden, featuring horticul-tural exhibits throughout the Garden, sales of plantand garden products including a large sales areawith plants propagated from the Botanical Garden,a variety of educationalspeakers and a special areafor kids.
Don’t forget your membership also allows
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Take advantage of your Friends ofCity Park Membership this spring!
Mary Lou Van Teylingen Carol & Ian VillafanaTiffany WillisDustin Wonnell
CAPITAL ONE VOLUNTEERS:Lisa AlexanderCarolina “Lia” BarnesDonna Barry & Craig
An Amazing Avian Discoveryyou to enjoy free admissionto Storyland, the CarouselAmusement Park, and theBotanical Garden including the Train Garden! You also receive valuable discounts off of AmusementPark Season Passes, boatingat Big Lake, tennis, golf andother activities within thepark! For more informationon your Friends of City Park Membership and torenew or purchase a gift membership, visitwww.friendsofcitypark.com or call 504-483-9376. We atFriends of City Park greatlyappreciate your continued support of our majestic park!
6 • Friends of City Park • Spring 2012
Lark in the Park
Everywhere around “Lark in the Park” everyone was talking about the fabulous food. Thanks to these participating restaurants for providing the extraordinary eats:
Jambalaya MixThe Columns HotelThe Crazy LobsterCool Brew CoffeeCourt of Two SistersDorignac’s “Jezz’s Kitchen”Fat Hen GrillFausto’sFleur de Lis CateringGalatoire’sJoan Farrell MathisThe Kupcake FactoryLagniappe Luncheonette
Restaurant & CateringLola’sMandina’sMaple Street CaféMaurice French PastriesMaximo’s Italian GrillThe Melting PotMike’s on the AvenueMondo RestaurantMr. John’s SteakhouseMr. Mudbug & 12 Seasons CateringThe New Bull’s CornerNonna Mia Café and PizzeriaNinjaQuintin’s Natural SorbetsRalph’s on the ParkRoyal HouseRussell’s Short Stop PoBoyRuth’s Chris SteakhouseSammy’s DeliSwiss ConfectionersTony Mandina’sToots ‘n BunnyVenezia’sWhole FoodsYe Olde College Inn
Beverages provided by Republic National Distributing Co.
RavingAbout OurRestaurants
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Spring 2012 • Friends of City Park • 7
SponsorsLark in the Park
Producer Capital One The Theresa Bittenbring Marque
& John Henry Marque FundMr. & Mrs. H. Britton SanderfordNew Orleans Saints/
Mr. & Mrs. Tom Benson
Director Ray BrandtRepublic National Distributing
Company
Headliner Woodward Design + Build
Red Carpet Margo & Clancy DuBosGustaf Westfeldt McIlhenny
Family FoundationJuli Miller HartLupin Foundation
Presenter The Children of Gerry BordelonEdward C. MathesRutter/Giffin FamiliesSchlumbergerSuperior Energy Services, Inc.Patrick F. Taylor Foundation
Celebrity Susan and Ralph BrennanElizabeth A. BohMike and Lynn Coatney Family
Foundation FundDeBlieux/Johnson FamiliesDemo DivaEARTHSAVERSSusan GundlachDee and P.C. HavensEmeril Lagasse FoundationHicham KhodrLupo EnterprisesJessica Bride and Nick MayorMcMoRan Exploration Co.Peoples HealthSchrenk, Endom & Flanagan
EngineersTextron Marine and Land
ServicesGenevieve M. TrimbleUnited Way of Southeast
Louisiana
Lark in the Park 2012 could not have been so successful without the generous contributions from thefollowing sponsors:
Saluting our
Paparazzi Anne and Herschel AbbottAlexa Georges and Jerry ArmatisCarol & Harold AsherMichelle & Brian BarkemeyerBayou Tree ServiceMr. & Mrs. John Burr, Jr. Laura & Philip ClaverieDots Diner/JoAnn & Larry KatzSally DuplantierCarolyn Elder EntergyEnterprise HoldingsDr. Kenneth B. FarrisFrances and Calvin FayardBeatrice FlairJeanie Favret & FamilyMr. & Mrs. S. Derby GisclairSue & Mike GuariscoBetty Bagert & Bill HankinsBarbara & Keith HammettMr. and Mrs. William HessJennifer & Fred HeebeDenise & Bill HoffmanHahn EnterprisesIBERIABANKHansen E. KochJanet & Roger LarueLeBlanc, Butler, LLCLegier & CompanyMPressMartin Insurance AgencyNancy & Mike MarsigliaMary Ellen & Clifford Miller, Jr.Alane & Bob NuzumJoyce & Sidney PulitzerPixie & Jimmy ReissMr. & Mrs. George RodrigueLynne & Patrick RossCarolyn & Chip SaundersKathy & Edmund SchrenkHenry & Pat ShaneJackie & Bruce ShrevesMr. & Mrs. Lynes R. SlossState Investors BankLeslie & Hal StokesKnox H. TumlinStone, Pigman, Walther,
Wittman, LLC
Individual:Joey Marcotte BrownRené FransenPaul J.MasinterAl PetriePoché Construction Photos by: Karl Ault Photography and Amanda Frentz
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NEW ORLEANS, LAPermit No. 572
Mark Your CalendarMarch - June, 2012
Thursdays at TwilightConcert SeriesApril 14-15, 2012
Spring Garden ShowMay 2, 2012
LPO’s Swing in the OaksJuly 25, 2012
Friends’ Fest / Fiat Raffle Drawing
September 21, 2012Martini Madness
“Every great city needs a great parkthat needs great friends!”
