Park’s “Lark Picnic in the Park”

Friends of City Park’s “Lark Picnic in the Park”

Following a challenging financial year, this event raised funds for City Park’s endowment to ensure its future.

By Shelby Simon

The 2021 “Lark Picnic in the Park” focused on building City Park’s endowment for the future of New Orleans to ensure that generations of people living in or visiting New Orleans can create memories in this historic park that will live on forever.

The 39th annual event took place as two sold-out socially distanced picnics held on the expansive 13 acres of the New Orleans Botanical Garden. Two separate sessions on Sunday, March 14 – one 11 a.m.-2 p.m., and another 7 p.m.-10 p.m. – enabled a safe experience for all.

The 1,300-acre urban public park is 90 percent self-funded and took a major financial hit during the COVID-19 pandemic. Beginning in March 2020, the park saw record local attendance while simultaneously closing the doors of its largest revenue-generating entities. Friends of City Park worked tirelessly throughout the year to adapt and create innovative solutions to keep this fundraiser alive.

“Lark Picnic in the Park” recognized Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and Cher Taffaro Nungesser as Honorary Chairs for their long-standing support of City Park and for the Lt. Governor’s work with the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism.

Lindsey Darnell and Nolan A. Marshall III; Alejandra Guzman and Barrett Cooper; Anne Teague Landis and Cuyler Boad; and Emily and Matthew Sherman served as Chairs. Capital One served as the Presenting Sponsor and Bryan Subaru was the car raffle sponsor. ✦

Look for “Philanthropic Events” on StCharlesAvenue.com to see more from this event Follow Friends of City Park on Instagram and Facebook @friendsofcitypark and on Twitter @FriendsCityPark

EVENT AT A GLANCE

1 WHAT “Lark Picnic in the Park,” benefiting Friends of City Park WHEN Sunday, March 14 WHERE New Orleans Botanical Garden

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1. CEO of City Park Cara Lambright and President of Friends of City Park Shon Cowan Baker 2. Chairs Matthew and Emily Sherman 3. Honorary Chairs Cher Taffaro Nungesser and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser 4. Fred Holley, Julie Breeden and Bill Goldring 5. Louisiana State Representative Royce Duplessis, Cleveland Spears III and Flozell Daniels 6. Robert Lupo, Dr. Mary Lupo, Abby Lupo and Tom Lupo