From the Desk of the Lieutenant Governor It’s Mardi Gras season here in Louisiana and
have a parade! This year,
WYES recently hosted a “Lunch and Learn”
we unofficially kicked off
at The Greystone in Mandeville, featuring
Mardi Gras in Pasadena,
Mrs. Gayle Benson. Although the day cleared
California
into blue skies as the lunch hour approached,
when
the
photo: Abby Sands AbbyPhoto.com
BY MARLAINE PEACHEY
boy do we know how to
Louisiana Office of Tourism float represented the
the morning fog on the causeway was extremely
state in the 135th Rose Parade® on January 1, 2024.
heavy and Mrs. Benson was warned that she
For a third year, Louisiana paraded across the
might not be able to cross the bridge. Throwing
national and international stages for this annual
caution to the wind, however, she carried on,
the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans. She stated that
tradition. This year's theme was "Celebrating a
determined to keep her appointment and safely
she is eager to learn about environmental, health,
World of Music: The Universal Language." Of course,
arrived on time to the delight of the many
social and educational challenges and serves on
music is a part of our culture and this event also
attendees who came to hear her speak.
many boards addressing those issues. Immediately
kicked off our 2024 marketing campaign here in Louisiana, Year of Music. Louisiana’s 2024 Rose Parade® float featured
Gayle was gracious and patient to personally
after speaking at Greystone, she left for New York
meet all who approached her and took as
to speak to investors regarding renovations on
many pictures as were requested. As the lunch
the St. Louis Cathedral. Ms. Benson keeps a busy
a larger-than-life Mardi Gras jester, fleur-de-lis,
began, Saints & Pelicans
second-line inspired umbrellas, and of course
Senior Vice President of
lots of purple, green, and gold. Performing
Communications,
were Grammy-nominated Zydeco musician
Bensel, commented on his
Sean Ardoin, Cajun fiddler Amanda Shaw, and
position as a Board Member
legendary guitarist James Burton.
of WYES and spoke of their
Also, for a third consecutive year, the Louisiana
current
projects.
Greg
Most
For 66 years, WYES has been a vital source of quality PBS programming, award-winning local documentaries and
schedule, and her ultimate enjoyment is giving back to the community. Thanks to WYES, the event was engaging and a memorable one. For 66 years, they have been a vital source
“Celebration Gator” crawled through the streets
recently they presented
of New York City for the 97th Annual Macy’s
an
Thanksgiving Day Parade. Riding and performing
interviewing victims of
on the “Celebration Gator” were Cajun fiddler
human trafficking. It was entitled, “Turning the
quality PBS programming, award-winning local
Amanda Shaw from Mandeville and country
Tide” and featured First Lady Donna Edwards. He
documentaries and cooking series.
singer and Alexandria native Alex Smith.
then introduced Mrs. Benson who spoke of her
On Thursday, January 4th, tickets go on sale for
current endeavors, including the Saints, Pelicans,
the WYES Season of Good Tastes, which are wine
and recent local events.
dinner dates. At each participating restaurant a
Participation in these two parades in recent years has resulted in more than six billion in
8
WYES hosts Lunch and Learn with Gayle Benson
informational
film
cooking series.
of education, information and entertainment, as well as earning a reputation for
audience reach and more than $60 million in
Gayle Benson was recognized as a seasoned
WYES rep will be present to welcome guests and
advertising value. Through participating in these
speaker and proven leader in her field as a business
talk about the wine pairings that go with the meal.
parades, we have encouraged potential visitors to
professional, sports franchise owner and benevolent
The chef will also appear and address the crowd.
experience the culture, history, food, and music
contributor to local organizations and non-profits in
It’s a great place to meet new friends and enjoy
that are uniquely Louisiana.
the entire Gulf South region. She currently serves
fabulous food. New this year is a participating
For more information on things to see and
as Chief Executive Officer of the New Orleans
restaurant on the North Shore called Papillion's.
do here in Louisiana and our new marketing
Saints and the New Orleans Pelicans. She is a board
On January 18th, WYES will also give a travel
campaign, visit ExploreLouisiana.com.
member of the NBA Foundation, the NFL Hall of
presentation entitled “France Magnifique” and on
Fame Committee and is involved in numerous
January 20th from 1 – 3 p.m. will host “WYES King
Billy Nungesser
other real estate ventures including automotive
Cake and Conversation.” For more information
Lieutenant Governor
dealerships, the Benson Tower Office Building and
check out their website, WYES.org.
Sophisticated Woman | January 2024
