Mercedes-Benz of Covington
At Children’s Hospital New Orleans, our transformed hospital was designed with kids at the center - with 50 percent more space, 40 pediatric specialties, and more than 600 pediatric providers. Today, as the Gulf South’s largest children’s hospital, there are so many big reasons to choose Children’s Hospital New Orleans. But we like to focus on the little ones. We’ve built extraordinary, because they are.
and Children’s Hospital New Orleans reimagine the child healthcare experience with first of its kind ‘Walker’s Imaginarium’, a 12,000 sq. ft center that will bring play, learning and fun to children receiving care in the hospital, in loving memory of Walker Beery.
With a shared vision to build a healthier future for children, the two organizations are teaming up to raise funds for the $10M project which will be located on the main campus of Children’s Hospital New Orleans.
Imagine a place where kids can discover, learn, play and just be kids - in a hospital. Children’s Hospital New Orleans and Kids Join the Fight did. The two organizations have announced plans to build a visionary, 12,000 square foot enrichment center located on the hospital’s main campus.
The center is named ‘Walker’s Imaginarium’ in memory of Walker Beery, the brave boy who launched Kids Join The Fight before he passed away following a courageous fight against pediatric brain cancer last September.
Thanks to Walker’s vision to make a difference for other children like him and the generosity of friends and supporters, this inspired project will provide a therapeutic space for patients and families to thrive, find joy, and enjoy time together while in the hospital.
encouragement, including siblings, families, friends, visiting groups and the community.
As Louisiana’s premier children’s hospital, Children’s Hospital New Orleans has delivered expert healthcare
where they are.
“Being in a hospital setting can be scary for any child,” said John R. Nickens IV, President and Chief Executive Officer at Children’s Hospital New Orleans. “We believe that children learn and heal through play, and we must meet them where they are. This project does just that – delivering a playful and energizing environment that will create more positive healthcare experiences. That’s what our partnership with Kids Join The Fight is all about.”
does just that – delivering a playful and energizing environment that will create more positive healthcare experiences.”
This
In addition to offering an innovative environment for kids receiving care in the hospital, Walker’s Imaginarium also provides opportunities to invite the community in, creating a unique opportunity where sick and well children can safely interact, engage, and support one another through empathy and
for children across Louisiana and the Gulf South for more than 65 years. With a recently completed $300 million transformation of its main campus in New Orleans, Children’s Hospital provides the highest level of pediatric care in the state, backed by more than 600 pediatric-trained providers, and partnerships with LSU Health New Orleans and Tulane University School of Medicine. Children’s Hospital also operates ambulatory clinics across Louisiana and the Gulf South including 12 primary care clinics and nine specialty clinics from Lake Charles to Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
Learn more about Walker’s Imaginarium and giving opportunities at www.chnola.org/imagine
“We believe that children learn and heal through play, and we must meet them
project
This year seemed to fly by, didn’t it? We have been so thankful for all this year has offered us by this incredible community and we are certainly ready for what 2023 will bring!
In this combined December/January issue we were able to have extended coverage of the Northshore’s premiere VIP event, Mutts to Models Charity Gala, presented by Mercedes-Benz of Covington. The one of a kind charity gala and runway show is a Scott’s Wish signature event that made its return in late fall benefiting causes near and dear to our hearts. Scott’s Wish is a 501c3 non-profit run by an all-volunteer team that strives to make a difference in the lives of both people and pets. Nearly every dollar raised goes toward helping sick people and homeless pets, both in the immediate community of St. Tammany Parish and further afield. Named in memory of Scott Lala, the organization has been spreading kindness, assistance, hope, and joy since its inception in 2008.
At Social NorthShore, we hope that you know how much gratitude we have for all of you for supporting us and letting us showcase the NorthShore community. Showcasing local events, watching business leaders shine, and helping the charities we all hold so dearly to us are what we love to do. See you in 2023!
Editor,
PUBLISHER
David Renfro
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Jen Meadows
COPY EDITOR Lana Cagle SALES
Jen Meadows | 985.687.8980
David Renfro | 731.499.1414 Melissa Calico | 504.339.7326
PHOTOGRAPHY
Casey Varnado | Katie Ulmer
Leslie Bear | Melissa Calico Aaryn Crews | Donielle Barnes Kha Tran | Sherri Howard Cheryl Gerber | Bach Imagery John Starrett | Mia Jolie Photography Eugenia Lubrano of NOLA Real Estate Marketing Wedding by Brocato Photography Collective
STAFF WRITER
Liesel Schmidt CONTRIBUTING
Kayla Bertucci
Casey Varnado GRAPHIC
Kim Mesman & Chris Shenk SOCIAL
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The Miracle League Northshore held its 6th Annual Making a Miracle Golf Scramble. This event was presented by Louisiana Medical Management Corporation. Golfers were able to play on the beautiful greens at Money Hill Golf and Country Club, as well as enjoy delicious food and drinks.
Lira Casborne’, Corey & Gary Cazaubon, Richard Bentley-Smith, Sammy O’Keefe & Kelsie Gassen
Mike Tillman, Todd Whalley, Cenzo Caronna, and Mimi Goodyear Dossett
Chris Natal, Brian Landry, Sid Hebert, and Fred Litchliter
Ken Dutruch, Joey Furr, Chuck Daniel, and Kay Daniel
Photos by Melissa Calico
Cade Icamina and Michael Ryals
Gerald Casborne’ and Gina Lorio
Rachel Mahr and Amanda Paxton
While being a mom might be the least technical part of her day, it’s still a role that Marie Marks considers to be infinitely important. A Neuroscience Sales Specialist for IRONSHORE Therapeutics, selling Jornay PM, a first-in-class product indicated for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in patients six years and older. Marks has launched over 18 different medications in varying disease states and markets, some of which include neurology, cardiology, endocrinology, dermatology, psychology and gastroenterology. She also co-owns a small business called A Marks the Spot that specializes in holiday design and décor for commercial and residential establishments.
With so much filling her days professionally, it can be a feat to fit in everything that needs to be done for her family, but Marks is dedicated to being fully present for her kids. “It’s a constant balancing act,” she admits. “Time management and conflicting priorities are a big
challenge for me as a working mom. There are times when I have a deadline for work or work requires me to travel for the day or night and at the same time my boys have an important event at school where I would really like to attend and support them, too. There’s this pressure on moms to be able to do it all, but as a mother, there may come a point when I can’t do it all alone and I call on my ‘village’ for help. My amazing husband plays a huge role in maintaining this with me, and I could not do it without him. He's my ultimate support in all we do and everything that we accomplish.
“Still, it’s a hard balance of having a career and being fully present as a mom,” says Marks, who has two boys with her husband of ten years. “I remind myself often whenever I start to feel guilty that I allow myself to process those feelings but not stay there and remember that whatever path I choose is the best one for my family to achieve our goals. What works for us, may not work for other families.”
Even with the challenges of not being able to be everywhere all at once, Marks knows she’s showing her boys something incredibly important. “As a working mom, I’m actively modeling to my children that women deserve to have lives outside of motherhood,” she contends. “I’m setting a precedent for my sons, so that when they have wives who may also become working mothers, they understand the value of that and appreciate their wives’ personal need to have careers if they so choose.”
When her boys become men—and as they grow into those men—Marks hopes that she carries with them always the memory of her as a devoted mother. “I want them to remember that I was present,” she says. “That I always showed up, no matter what, and I wasn’t just there, but I was also present and took every moment of it in! I tell my boys often that I will always be there, and I will always be your biggest fan—and I mean that!
“I want my children to remember that they were cherished, that their dad and I genuinely like being with them,” she goes on. “Summer break doesn’t last long enough, and the weekends feel over before they begin. I also want them to remember all the adventures we have experienced together. Most importantly, and above all else, I pray they know that I love them madly! I love them when they are annoying and cranky and when they are the best two human beings ever. I will love them every single minute of every single day as long as my heart is beating. There is absolutely nothing in this entire world that they could ever do to make me stop loving them. I want nothing more for them than to lead happy, fulfilled, God-fearing lives.”
I want them to remember that I was present. That I always showed up, no matter what, and I wasn’t just there, but I was also present and took every moment of it in!”
As deeply educated as she is, Marks has learned quite a few valuable lessons from her boys. “They’ve taught me that simple pleasures bring the most joy,” she says. “I’ve seen my children find joy in a million tiny things, from building a sandcastle to leaping off a diving board or even in a flower they pick from our neighbor’s yard. It’s always the small things that make them smile. I’ve also learned that it’s okay to march to the beat of your own drum. In fact, it’s better than okay. And, with having two boys, I’ve come to the realization that clean isn’t everything. As an adult with nothing short of Type A personality, I usually have a hard time seeing beyond a mess. But a mess has never stopped my boys in their entire lives.”
by Kha Tran
The annual Holiday Cheese Extravaganza Cocktail Party was hosted at The Southern Hotel. Guests mingled with featured cheesemakers who were sampling dozens of cheeses, and dishes made with their cheeses. Acquistapace’s poured some of the most highly acclaimed wines & specialty bourbons as a compliment to the various cheese offerings.
Chef Steven Marsella, Jennifer Jones, Sunny Groom, and Erik Acquistapace
Photos
Josh Boudreaux, Felicia Boudreaux, Lizzy Boyce, and Ben Boyce Amy Cline, Kerry Drake, and Nadine Robin
Bill and Tonya Crombie
Paula and Tony Morgan
Krystal Hughes and Kevin Hughes
Jessica and Elmer Farmer
Jenny and Dan Shaw
Lauren Olsen, Elizabeth Shilling, Paula, and Charles
STORY BY LIESEL SCHMIDT
When we think of the military that stands in service of our nation, we think of men and women in uniform, brave individuals who swear an oath to defend their country against all enemies, foreign and domestic. We think of their sacrifice and selflessness, their dedication and bravery in knowing what they’re signing on for when they put on that uniform and swear that oath.
Their service is remembered and acknowledged—saluted, even. We memorialize and celebrate them. We mourn their loss. When they need us to stand in support of their sacrifices, we try to rise to the call. But there are still some heroes whose service goes largely unrecognized: the dogs who are trained to be battle ready and accompany teams on missions. When their service is no longer needed, these dogs face another battle as age, health, emotional issues and even battle wounds threaten the future they should be able to enjoy after their years of faithful duty.
It was for these brave dogs that the organization Scott’s Wish partnered with former Special Forces Army K9 handler, Rick Hogg, to create In Honor of Duco, a very special fund to benefit retired K9 commandos who have served as Special Forces Combat Assault Dogs or “K9- CADs.” Established in memorial to his own K9-CAD, Duco, the fund has, indeed, paid great tribute to Duco through its work to help other dogs in need of care.
Like Duco, MPC Layka served her country and her unit with incredible bravery, having saved the lives of troops even after she was critically shot and wounded. In fact, the Belgian Malinois is credited with saving the life of her handler, U.S. Army Ranger Julian McDonald, as well as those of his teammates during a firefight with an enemy combatant in Afghanistan in 2012. During the skirmish, Layka sustained four point-blank shots, resulting in the amputation of one of her front legs.
Her heroism earned her the distinction of being the first dog to receive the Medal of Heroism since World War II, and she also received the 2016 American Humane Hero Dog Award. In addition, she was featured on a cover of National Geographic and appeared in a 2017 HBO documentary called “War Dog: A Soldier’s Best Friend.” Layka was also recognized as an inspiration for the film Dog, starring Channing Tatum.
Despite all of this—the accolades, the admiration and the praise—there was nothing in place to give Layka what she needed most when she retired from service: medical care.
The need wasn’t immediately apparent, but Layka’s handler, McDonald, and his family began to notice uncharacteristic lethargy and irregular jerking movements in her eyes. To find out the cause and treat it, she needed MRIs as well as specialty testing—all of which came with medical fees outside of the McDonalds’ ability to afford. This is where Duco’s legacy shines its brightest. After connecting with the Duco Project, Layka was afforded the ability of going to rehab and getting the treatment she needed.
As she serves in example of the bravery of so many canines who take up battle alongside their units, MPC Layka is being honored with a massive bronze sculpture by world famous sculptor Lena Toritch. Commissioned by Scott’s Wish Duco Project, the statue will be donated to the 1st Ranger Battalion Sua Sponte Foundation for placement at the Heritage Center adjacent to the Memorial Garden in Savannah, Georgia. We are proud to announce that the live auction for our SOCIAL Northshore Dec/Jan cover raised more than enough to cover the costs of the statue honoring Layka, a U.S. Army Ranger Dog of War.
Scott’s Wish is a 501c3 non-profit run by an all-volunteer team that strives to make a difference in the lives of both people and pets. Nearly every dollar raised goes toward helping sick people, homeless pets, and a very brave pack of dogs. Named in memory of Scott Lala, the organization has been spreading kindness, assistance, hope and joy since its inception in 2008.
As Co-Chairs of the Mutts to Models Charity Gala, we are both passionate about giving back and helping others, and none of what we have been able to accomplish would have been possible without the generous support of all the sponsors and guests. We are grateful to each one of you for helping make our dream an incredible success! -Denise Gutnisky & Patrick Theriot
The Mutts to Models Charity Gala presented by Mercedes-Benz of Covington welcomed a sold-out crowd of about 450 people, and a pack of pups strutted their stuff in support of local cancer patients, homeless animals and a very brave pack of dogs raising over $250,000 for local volunteer non-profit Scott’s Wish.
Dara Schultz and Grant Grosch
Maddy Goff and Alex Leader
Erika Ferrando and Ryan Lawrence
Shawn and Shannon Torres, Katie and Jimmy Burns and Mayor Greg and Peggy Cromer
Melissa Defrost, Candice Schaeffer, Tkara Dixon, Chris Guidry and Tyler Elliot
Megan Dussouy and Lynn Bardales
Carli Collis, Ryan Williams and Ashleigh Bourg
Holly Dabdoub, Patsy Crossett and Kim Webster
Carl Froehlich and Maxie LeBlanc
Stefanie Sturdevant, Madeline Moore , Paige Kollatt and Scarlett Dalton
Charlie Partsch, Nina Kincaid and James Carinder
Pedram Taheri and Raegan Charleston
Rebecca Cuellar and Javier Cuellar
Brandi Williams, Annette Dowdle , Michelle Marshall, Amanda Akins
Dr. Lauren Agnew, Johanna Versfeld, Tori Pasentine, Jonee’ Ferrand
Lindy Weber, Bayley Romig, David Briggs, Stephanie Bush, Kathie Pearse
Bobbie Champagne, Misty Theriot, Brigitte Magee, Carol Webb
Jamila Pennington, Maddy Goff
Jamie Hartman, Tracy Duhon, Jutane Sip
Kelli Stevenson, Jamie Stevenson, Ciara Clark, Nicole de la Fuente
Bennie and Amy Benson, Jacob Benson, Alyssa Lewis
Debrorah Bellina, Jeanell Landwehr and Gerald Simon
Sally Brink, Melanie Talia, Tom Campbell, Shelley MacNary
Steven Toups, Jessica Celentano, Ronny Regouffre
Amber Smith, Carley Sebren
It’s an ethos that Brandon West lives by, both in his professional life as well as in his personal one. A contractor with CC Construction and Roofing, he’s made his work about people—building and repairing buildings, so they can become homes and businesses. In his 20 years as a contractor, his dedication to giving has made him an important part of the business community. As a volunteer at the St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services, that same selflessness has made him a beloved face to the many animals who come into his care.
A recent addition to the team of volunteers at STPAS, West had been volunteering at another shelter when he became aware of the organization’s urgent need of more help. Impressed by their organization and cleanliness, when West heard of their challenge of finding volunteers, he knew that he wanted to help. There was also another important detail that really resonated with West: “STPAS is one of just a few open-admission shelters in the state that has become no kill, ” he says. “No kill shelters need as many hands on deck as they can get. Those animals deserve a true opportunity at life. We as humans have domesticated these animals, so it’s up to us to protect them from the dangers of having to live in the swamp.”
For West, the reason to volunteer is one that brings self-growth in addition to benefiting others. “Volunteering teaches humility,” he says. “We humans let our egos get quite out of control. A very wise man I met on a swamp tour taught me that the world is a very beautiful place, but also a very dangerous one. When we help each other, we’re making it a little less dangerous and a little more beautiful.”
“Invest in those who invest in others.”
In addition to being a no-kill shelter, STPAS is also the parish's only open-admission animal shelter, meaning they must take in every abandoned, stray, owner-surrendered and cruelty-confiscated animal in the parish. As a volunteer, West gives his heart to these animals, making sure they receive attention and care by getting the dogs out of the kennels and into the play yards that Mardi Paws x Scott's Wish built. He also takes dogs home on sleepovers to try and socialize them and make them more adoptable. “Shelters like ours are so important because they help make up for at least some of the poor souls that got dealt a bad hand,” he says. “We need STPAS, and if I'm being truly honest, STPAS needs us. We need to step up as a society and help those animals get out of the box. I'm excited to help grow our foster program and dog walking programs.”
An avid mountain biker and passionate outdoorsman, West is also a big fan of live music. “You’ll find me on Frenchman Street as often as my schedule permits,” says the contractor, who, like the animals he so passionately wants to provide with a better future, was dealt a tough hand. “I’m living proof that, with the right attitude and the right amount of kindness, you can rise up,” West contends. “The Universe guided me to the point of my life I'm at, with only the help of friends I've made along the way. My father kicked me out of my home on the day of my high school graduation because I’d slighted his girlfriend, so I lived on couches and scraped by with the help of the ‘family’ I've made through the years. I know and understand what it's like to be at the bottom. And because of that, I feel compelled to help those who need a hand.”
Be they of four legs or two, those who need a hand get West’s…one open and outstretched with love, compassion and genuine kindness.
Photos by Cheryl Gerber
by Cheryl Gerber
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BACH IMAGERY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHERYL GERBER
Photos by Bach Imagery & John Starrett Photography
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHERYL GERBER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN STARRETT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN STARRETT
Gerber
Nancy Pratt Stuben is a multimedia artist & teacher, dance instructor and event coordinator - who lives in beautiful Mandeville. Mrs. Stuben's art mediums include acrylic on canvas, stenciling, collage, photo projects, painted clothing and holiday headpieces/fascinators along with local murals. Her latest body of work, "Rhapsody in Hues," starts with a base of vintage sheet music collaged and painted on canvas or fiberboard, overlayed with a portrait of a celebrated music artist in liquid acrylic and sealed with a matte finish. As a freelance and commission artist she has expanded to layering maps and personal meanings into pieces featuring couples, families and even animals. You can find Nancy and her art outside of her home studio at community art events, her annual show at Pardos or online.
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Decked out in its festive finery, the Venus house in Bedico Creek Preserve is like a home on a Christmas card, an enchanted place filled with sugar plum dreams and holiday cheer. With its heavy white sack-washed brick, the French country modern home is crisp and clean looking, the expanse of whiteness broken by windows trimmed with black and coordinating black gutters, capped off with grey slate lap ridge tiles.
STORY BY LIESEL SCHMIDT PHOTOGRAPHY BY EUGENIA LUBRANO-GANGI OF NOLA RE MARKETINGTwo large gas lanterns add a welcoming glow to the exterior, illuminating the cypress ceiling of the front porch and the old Chicago brick work underfoot that matches the five-foot ribbon of old Chicago brick that trims out the driveway. Making the picture an even more impressive one, the elegant eight-foot front door is made of iron and features beautiful bubble glass for privacy and delicate scrollwork for a touch of design.
Inside, the French country aesthetic gives way to transitional style, with antiques and family heirlooms to add a touch of warmth and dimension to the home. Giving it color are accents like the art on the walls—an example of which holds pride of place in the foyer. “I commissioned an artist named Tony Mose for a breath-taking peacock painting for our foyer that I am honestly obsessed with,” says co-owner Gina Venus, who shares the home with her husband, Charlie. “Anyone who knows me knows I adore peacocks, and this piece of art truly completed our home.”
Overhead, a trio of spectacular crystal chandeliers lead down the hall to the home’s main living spaces—each of which also features its own noteworthy lighting fixture, chosen for the couple by designer Julie Ponze of Julie Ponze Designs. Her influence, in fact, can be seen all throughout the home, from the lighting fixtures and the bold accent wall colors to the thoughtful incorporation of the Venuses’ antique furnishings. “Julie was instrumental postconstruction to work with me on design decisions,” says Gina. “We have a pretty fair amount of family heirlooms and antiques in our home that we really treasure. Those are what we truly love the most as they have a lot of history, love and memories. Julie did a fantastic job helping us marry our heirlooms with the modern pieces we were adding and made it feel seamless, like it all belonged together from the beginning.”
Running from the front foyer throughout all the spaces of the first floor with the exception of the master ensuite, the flooring is everything one would expect in a home of so many unexpected design features, made of textured overlay, stained concrete with a five-foot slate grey diamond pattern. To the left of the foyer, the formal dining room holds a bold greeting with its royal navy blue walls, immediately leading into the stark contrast of the all-white walls in the formal living room. “I love looking into the formal dining room,” says Gina. “The wall color combined with French white chandelier and newly recovered chairs brings this room to life and brings back childhood memories for me.”
Those pieces to which she refers include antique sewing machines from both Charlie’s and Gina’s grandmothers as well as a Queen Ann sofa and love seat set that Charlie acquired as a young man that the couple had restored and reupholstered. “One of those pieces is in our family living room, the other in our master bedroom,” says Gina.
“I have many, many pieces of China and tea sets, crystal bowls, crystal dessert dishes and cups that were my grandmother’s. Our dining room furniture was my parents.’ I also have an antique tea cart imported from France that my father gave to my mother, and our dining room mirror and Last Supper picture was Charlie’s grandmothers’ and parents,’ respectively.”
As a blended family with six grown children and six grandchildren, the Venuses require enough space to accommodate them all. Fortunately, the fourteen rooms within the 6,104 square-foot home offer just that, with four bedrooms, four full baths and two half-baths as well as various other rooms including a game room, formal living and dining spaces, and informal living areas. Naturally, their kitchen sees a great deal of use and was designed not only for functionality, but for form. “I enjoy cooking meals and love the kitchen,” says Gina. “During the holidays, my mom, aunt, youngest daughter and I enjoy baking together. It’s our tradition. I’m looking forward to doing that this year in our new home, especially with all the countertop space!”
And, indeed, there is an impressive amount of counterspace in the sprawling kitchen, which extends almost the entire length of the back wall of the home, boasting double-height ivory custom cabinetry along the perimeter and contrasting navy cabinetry on the four-foot-by-twelve-foot island, all crowned with Bianco Rhino marble countertops. The matching marble backsplash runs the full length of the cabinets and up to the top of the range hood that sits above the six-burner Thermador gas range. A coordinating suite of stainless Thermador appliances rounds out the kitchen, with a Danby Silhouette Professional wine fridge offering space for 24 bottles and, of course, an impeccably designed pantry.
My husband and I love to have family and friends at our home,” says Gina. “We began the design and building process in July 2020 with Sigfredo Construction, LLC, and Sigfredo and Mayelen Martinez met with us on a continual basis and really heard our needs and desires for the design and functionality of our home. Sigfredo really listens to his clients and ensures that he checks everything on your list—down to the last detail—and anticipates things you may not have thought of and goes above and beyond to far exceed your expectations. When designing our floor plan, one of the must haves on my list was a walk-in pantry with an abundance of storage shelving. Knowing that we are big coffee lovers, Sigfredo’s design included a seven-by-eleven walk-in pantry with custom-built shelving to accommodate all of my party ware, dishes, platters, etc. He also included an 11-foot countertop for a coffee bar for our coffee pots and espresso machine and any other appliances we wanted to include, complete with electrical sockets. It’s one of my favorite features in our home.”
The master suite is another space where design stands out in high relief, with a double-step ceiling featuring a large vintage chandelier for lighting as well as recessed lighting. Three large paneless windows overlook the backyard and greenspace behind the home, offering generous natural light into the space and an incredible view, and a door leads to the outdoor patio, pool and living area from the master suite. Naturally, massive his and her closets offer separate storage for Charlie and Gina—hers with a barn door and custom-built shelving and cabinetry as well as a gorgeous crystal and gold chandelier.
In the master bath, the flooring is white texture overlay stained concrete with grey mixed in and polished to a high shine to look like marble. The marble look continues in the zero-entry shower, which features a mosaic marble pattern tile and ten feet of porcelain tile. The six-foot freestanding soaking tub is surrounded by an eight-foot wall of porcelain tile, as well, with a tulip-shaped chandelier suspended above it.
“Every single day, Charlie and I both look at each other and say how blessed we are and that we cannot believe our dreams finally came true,” says Gina. “We get to spend the rest of our days here. When we come home, I think, wow...this lovely home is ours. Every room has such unique finishes and personal touches and character, and we fall in love all over again. We are genuinely thankful and grateful to God for blessing us with this home and all of the people He placed in our path to make it possible.”
SMH Foundation held its annual Rooftop Rendezvous fundraiser, one of East St. Tammany’s most anticipated and fun social events. This annual event—sidelined for the past two years during the pandemic—featured delectable dishes from local restaurants, exciting raffle prizes and dancing to live music, while raising critically important funds used throughout the year to improve the quality of life in the community.
Hope Arriaza and Michelle Chappuis Jennifer and Travis Berger
Sandy and David Badinger
Maria Popa, Tommy Williams, and Susan Williams
Edward Mannina, Christina Mannina, Jodie Harrison, and Robert Harrison
Jennifer Milligan, Katie Chabreck, Linda Larkin, and Megan Provenzano Robyn and Steve Kline
Gavin Cook, Kelli Cook, Amy Cederholm, TC Cederholm, Kim Dakin, Jamie Dakin, and Brooke Temple
Lori Fonte, Natalie Cole, Jenna Bourgeois, and Daniel Bourgeois
Vasanth Bethala, Sandy Shafor, Hari Reddy, and Ujwal Mel’s La
Sarah Brooks, Kayla Moore, Lauren Scallan, Gabbi Pennino, Tiffanie Landa, Kayli Abney, Jen Baudier, Jordan Morrow, and Angela Audibert
Terry Hemelt, Melissa Hemelt, Danielle Kastner, and Ralph Kastner
Jessica Callac and Mandy McQueen
Guests come from all over the Gulf South to sample wines and spirits each year. The event was held at Benedict’s Plantation in Mandeville, LA. Select Brands, Inc donated over 100 wines and spirits along with 10 to 12 local restaurants that share their signature dishes for patrons to taste. A live and silent auction is part of the event which includes a trip to wine country in California. Raffle tickets can also be purchased for a chance to win one or more of the 100 bottles of wine.
Photos by Tiffany Chabert
Joyce Donohue, Latoya Adams, Jocelyn Molina, Kesha McGowan, Kari Spencer, and Darlene Creel
Sara Chauppette and Dr. Austin Fontenot
Robert and Stacey Daix and Stephanie and Chris Howell
The spark was so intense when Kelsey Quarls met Beau Egan on her 25th birthday that it could have lit the candles on a birthday cake, and it only took that one meeting for the two to know that they wanted to date. Almost exactly three years later in 2020, Beau took their relationship to the next level—and gave Kelsey the surprise of her life.
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Ihad just completed my NICU rotation prior to Christmas break during my second year of pediatric residency, and Beau had planned a dinner at Mr. B’s in New Orleans to celebrate that Friday night,” says Kelsey of the December weekend she’ll never forget. “The following morning, we had plans to get brunch with my family. Prior to brunch, Beau mentioned grabbing drinks at the Southern Hotel, which is one of my favorite places. We started Saturday morning by drinking Mimosas at Oxlot 9, and we were the only two people in the restaurant. We spent the morning reflecting back on the year we’d had together, and then he took me to the Southern Hotel courtyard. Right there in the garden, Beau proposed with a custom ring he’d designed himself. The moment was so surreal because I remember telling him how special it would be to get married in my hometown, and he proposed at the Southern Hotel with the idea that we would get married in the same spot the following year.”
Ready at last for their wedding, Kelsey wore a beautiful fit and flare lace gown with sheer details as she walked down the aisle at St. Peter Catholic Church in Covington. With nine bridesmaids and nine groomsmen standing in attendance, Kelsey and Beau exchanged vows and were pronounced married—happy that, despite so many complications that could have derailed their plans, their wedding went off without a hitch. “Hurricane Ida hit one month before our wedding, and we had no idea what impact the storm had on several of our vendors and what damage the Southern Hotel had endured,” says Kelsey. “Luckily, we were informed the day after Ida hit that the hotel had sustained minimal damage. Unfortunately, the same could not be said for Cocoa Bean Bakery. Having sustained significant damage to the bakery, we didn’t know if they would be up and running in time for our wedding, However, Anthony and his team reopened the week of our wedding and produced two of the most beautiful cakes I could have asked for. We spent the month prior to the wedding just trying to contact each vendor and seeing who would still be available for our wedding. We were fortunate to have local vendors who were passionate and dedicated to their job and worked endless hours to make our dream wedding become a reality.”
Post-ceremony, the newlyweds and their guests adjourned to the Southern Hotel for the reception, where they dined on a buffet style dinner catered by Palate. After dining and dancing, the couple cut into the bridal cake—a white five-tier vanilla wedding cake filled with fresh strawberries and whipped cream with fresh flowers, adorned with a cascade of flowers. The groom’s cake added a touch of whimsy: a chocolate flavored cake made to resemble a Raising Cane’s chicken tender box combo—the groom’s favorite food.
After being sent off on their honeymoon, the newly married Egans spent five days at an all-inclusive resort in Puerto Vallarta. Having returned to Mandeville, Kelsey is enjoying her work as a new pediatrician at Fairway Pediatrics in Covington, and together they’ve settled into their new life, happily looking forward to the future.
“We were fortunate to have local vendors who were passionate and dedicated to their job and worked endless hours to make our dream wedding become a reality.”
The Northshore Area Board of Directors hosted an appreciation mixer at St. Ann Wine Bar to celebrate and thank all affiliate members for their generosity. It was an evening of networking over appetizers and wine.
Courtlin Donner-Noggerath, Randi Barrett, Gina Joanos, and Olivia Joanos
Photos by Donielle Barnes
Susan Roudolfich, Melissa and Ashley Vandermeulen Katie Beaucoudray, Wendi Stein, and Leigh Ann Clem
Von Williams and Renee’ Ponds
Scott Finklea and Mike Ceravolo
Betsy Merrick and Clare Rogers
Cassie Vermeeren and Emily Nolan
Suzy Ortiz and Linda LaRocca
Charmagne Simon, Rene Rapalo, and Crystal Chamber
Northlake Christian School Booster Club hosted their 22nd Annual Joe McMahan Memorial Golf Tournament at Tchefuncte Country Club. The weather was picture perfect for a fun day of golf.
Brian Ilg, Anthony Naquin, Alex Ruiz, and Anthony J. Naquin
Photos by Katie Ulmer
Clint Verbeek, Thomas Miller, Daniel Green, and Larry Beall
Brandon Muller, Eileen Dominguez, and Louis Dominguez
Eddie Crochet and Charlie Gambino
Dale St. John and Greg Mula, Jr.
Mike Summers and Alex Ziegler
Alex Ruiz and Anthony Naquin
Keith Dozier and Bruce Marcev
Sean Englert, Nick Chetta, and Erin Brunner
Kyle Entzel and Kyle Smith
Community leaders partnered with local restaurants to compete for the title of Judge’s Choice, People’s Choice, and Most Money Raised for Hope House! All money raised through this event benefits Children’s Advocacy Center - Hope House...providing hope, healing and justice for local child abuse and trafficking victims in St. Tammany and Washington Parishes. Each cook/ restaurant team prepared tastings of a favorite menu item for attendees to sample. The event also included complimentary wine and beer, the opportunity to win extraordinary prizes, and live music.
Cameron Watts, Griffen Dussold, Brett Bosarge, and Josh Sticker
Photos by Kha Tran
Mindy Gaunt and Darren Gaunt
Rick Danielson, Leigh Sibley, Jasmine Bordelon, and Shearn Lemoine
Steven Barnes and Casey Barnes
Cody and Kelcy Evans
Ariel Craddock and Lauren Golden
Taylor Munn and Nancy Miller
Noelle Laderer and Johnny Schmidt
Kaylin Smith and Matthew Scanlon
