Men and Women of Fashion to Host 40th Annual Prix d'Elegance Awards Luncheon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Julie Plonk
Communications Manager
504.522.0996 ext 204
jplonk@nobadance.com

Men and Women of Fashion to Host
40th Annual Prix d'Elegance Awards Luncheon
Proceeds Benefit NOBA's Scholarship and Education Programs for Talented Youth

On Wednesday, April 11, The Men and Women of Fashion will host the 40^th annual Prix d'Elegance Luncheon at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel. This event, which will introduce the 2011 honorees, will once more benefit BRAVO, the Ballet Resource and Volunteer Organization, which provides critical funds for the nationally award winning education programs and scholarship funds of the New Orleans Ballet Association (NOBA).

For four decades, the Men of Fashion and Women of Fashion have paid tribute to dozens of men and women who exemplifyunique personal style as well as excellence through business, civic and charitable endeavors that specifically better the community in which they live. "More than 600 people will gather to celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of these individuals whose styles are as unique as the great city of New Orleans itself," comments Women of Fashion President Virginia Eckholdt. "The resumes of all our honorees note the many and innovative ways in which each of them have made differences in the lives of others in our community."

Each year, the members of the Men and Women of Fashion organizations choose a former recipient to receive the special honor of Hall of Fame for sustained excellence. The Hall of Fame Honorees for 2011 are E. Ralph Lupin, M.D. and Jude Swenson. The 2011 Male Honorees are Julien Chouest, Gregory Curtis, Brother Frommeyer, Fred Holley, Robert Matheney, M.D., Carlos Mickan, Lyndon Saia, John Schwartz, D.D.S., Alfred Stacey, IV, and Mike Theis. The 2011 Female Honorees are Sarah G. Abrusley, Kelly Badeaux-Phillips, Tiffa Boutte, Martine Chaisson, Julie Livaudais George, Pat Paternostro, Mayra Pineda, Kathy Singelton, Kathleen Sullivan, M.D. and Allison Berge Tiller.

This year's event is co-chaired by Jacquee Carvin and Teresa Guzzetta. Festivities will begin at 10:45 a.m. with a champagne reception, followed by a runway fashion show by Chatta Box Boutique and Jeff's Haberdashery at 11am. The event will also include a silent auction of items donated by local businesses, live auction and a raffle.

"It is such an honor to be asked to co-chair this event," said Carvin. "The honorees are an outstanding selection of men and women who each possess their own unique sense of style and have devoted time and energy to a wide array of organizations throughout the community. I am also pleased that the proceeds from this luncheon will go to NOBA's Scholarship Fund."

NOBA's education programs provide access to quality arts programs with more than 3,000 free dance classes and activities annually at 10 sites for over 600 children each year. Founded twenty years ago in collaboration with the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission, the Center For Dance has leveled the playing field and made it possible for any child who wants quality, professional instruction to receive it completely tuition-free. Annually, scholarships are provided for talented youth to study dance at prestigious schools around the country, including, for example, American Ballet Theatre, Joffrey Ballet, American Dance Festival, and The Ailey School. Other students decide to remain in New Orleans and study with the national artists who are brought to New Orleans for the NORDC/NOBA Summer Intensive in July.

"It's not just about fashion, but also raising significant funds to reward and move forward the vision of an organization dedicated to serving the youth of our community, " adds Men of Fashion President Mike Winters.

The event is sponsored in part by New Orleans Magazine.

Tickets to the event are $100 (table of 10 for $1000), which includes a champagne reception at 10:45 am. For more information or to order tickets, contact NOBA at 504.522.0996.

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