Cabrini High School

Class of 1988: 25-Year Reunion

The Class of 1988 celebrated its 25 year reunion on Saturday, June 8th at the Castle Theater in historic Rivertown (Kenner, LA). The class gathered to see fellow alumna Jodi Borrello ’87 perform her comedy routine. The class enjoyed seeing Jodi dressed up in her Cabrini uniform while telling jokes about being a teenager in the 80’s. Local event planner Kimberly Bailey Zibilich ’88 provided floral arrangements and catered the event for all the ladies in attendance.

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Seated, l-r: Elizabeth Caffery, Ana Pacheco Paddie, Karen Morris Guillot, Tanya Hebert Green, Dawn Bayard Hoffmann. Middle row, l-r: Racquel Pavlovich Soulet, Tara Clement, Yvette LeBreton Bono, Jessica Bonura, Sandy Rowan Dischner, Ronell Gonzales Cefalu, Kimberly Bailey Zibilich. Back row, l-r: Kristen Viosca Fuller, Michele Austin Hartz, Mary Buras Williams, Tina Correro Musacchia, Brigette Folse, Julie Trinchard Goodwin.

The first wave of spring fundraisers helps keep City Park and PRC afloat

Making a splash!

By Nell Nolan

Two recent events that served as a prelude to both spring and Easter activity had an aqueous accent. “Revelry on the River” headlined the 36th annual Julia Jump of the Preservation Resource Center, which took place in the River City Ballroom of Mardi Gras World at Port of New Orleans Place. Meanwhile, and concurrently, Friends of City Park’s Lark in the Park set social sail for the Caribbean with “Cabana Nights.” It served as a fundraiser for City Park’s newest addition, the Splash Park.

Lark in the Park

Lark in the Park 2013. Helen Smith, Jackie Palumbo, Bill Hoffman and Kimberly Zibilich. Friday March 15, 2013. (photo by Daniel Erath)

Although islands in the sun were the festive focus, the tropical-themed “Cabana Nights” took place in The Lord & Taylor/Capital One Bank Rose Garden, where simple elegance was underscored. To tout the theme, there were cabana tents for major donors; the VIP Copa Club equipped with its own caterer, GW Fins; and a cigar roller from the Cigar Factory New Orleans. Lush greenery adorned the tables, and string lights lined the walkways.

For the patron party, also in the rose garden, 300 notables partook of passed hors d’oeuvres by Little Gem Saloon as they listened to the serenading sounds of Julio and Cesar’s Latin guitar music.

When it was time to gala-vant, the patron pack and another round of revelers enjoyed the cuisine of more than 40 restaurants, such as nearby Ralph’s on the Park and several French Quarter spots, including the soon-to-open Tableau (adjacent to Jackson Square). Bonerama headlined the gala, providing the musical menu.

For the live auction, all 13 packages had a Caribbean theme. One of the choice offerings was a done-on-site painting by artist FrenchyLive commemorating “Cabana Nights” and purchased by Vincent Palumbo for his wife, Jackie. She enjoyed the chairing limelight along with Helen Read Smith, who was joined by fiance Timothy Young, and Kimberly Zibilich with husband Keith.

Additional “Nights” notables were Friends President Mary Johnson with Keith, Friends Executive Director Rodney Thoulion, City Park CEO Robert Becker with Patricia, Robert and Donna Taylor, Jim and Debi Davies, Bryan Batt and Tom Cianfichi, City Park Imrovement Association President Bill and Denise Hoffman, Juli Miller Hart and mom Jerri Cullinan, Mark Romig, Robert and Dr. Mary Lupo, John and Mary Burke, Walter Navoy, a mother-daughter duo in Roberta and Tania Hahn, Karen Adjmi, Keith Treuting, Maria Huete, Dr. Peter and Karen DeBlieux, Clay and Michelle Moise and countless others. All concurred with CEO Becker’s remark that “Cabana Nights” served as a showcase for the Botanical Garden. He continued, saying, “Lark is a spectacular event that makes you proud to be a part of City Park.” Hark!

More than 450 “Jumpers” celebrated the PRC’s frolic that offered a beautiful view of boats traveling the Mississippi River. Thanks tapped Julia Jump lead sponsors Chevron, Bisso Towboat Company, Inc., and Fidelis Continental LLL/Mr. and Mrs. H. Elder Brown Jr.

To launch the levity, patrons rubbed shoulders for an hour and a half with the Big Easy Brass Band providing the backdrop scintillation. For the Jump itself, Louisiana Spice mixed up the musical ingredients. Those of a culinary kind came from the 20 restaurants that purveyed.

The auction items totaled more than $100,000 in value with jewelry, artwork, trips, spa and beauty treatments, restaurant gift certificates and more goodies eliciting the bucks. There were even Caribbean vacations to Antigua and Barbados, as well as a South Pacific jaunt to Fiji. A raffle by Wellington & Co. added still more lovely lucre.

Appropriate for the “JJ” initialed fun were the chairwomen, both of whose names start with a “J”: Joy Grace and Jill Pipes. Among their committee cohorts were Meg Baldwin, Melissa Beaugh, Jeanne Boughton, Erin Dugan, Skye Sturlese Fantaci, Mandi Frischhertz, Julie Habetz, Caroline Kearney, Malise Kearney, Sarah Martzolf, Courtney Nalty, Carol Skirloff, Michelle Ogden, Charlotte Sapir, Emily Schneider, Ginger Smith, Christine Walsh, and Tracey Weinstein.

From the board came PRC President David Darragh with Edie, Vice President Ted LeClercq, Janie Blackmon, Julie Habetz and Scott, Gaynell Lawrence, Michelle Ogden with Dr. Field, Anne Morse with Jimmy, Clyde Jacob, Will Hales, Randy Opotowsky, Odom Heebe Jr., and Peter Trapolin. Most were joined by a spouse or guest.

Special guests were numerous and included — all with a title or two — Alma Slatten with Bob Pettit, Al Melillo (another board member) with Genie, Elder and Millie Brown with daughter Elizabeth Kepper Brown, Freddie McAfee, Joe Jones, Muffin and Luis Balart, Carol Starr, and Brandy Whisnant. A top name always is that of Patricia “Patty” Gay, who heads up the PRC as executive director.

All the while, “Revelry on the River” kept on rolling.

Nell Nolan can be reached at socialscene@nola.com.

NOMA Odyssey Ball

New Orleans Museum of Art

Jeffery Johnston

One hundred years: Slightly more than one-third the age of the city of New Orleans (founded in 1718); two-thirds older than this magazine (celebrating its 15th anniversary this month); and the exact age of one of this city’s most sparkling jewels: the New Orleans Museum of Art.

On Saturday, November 12, join director Susan Taylor, ball chairs Brenda and Michael Moffitt, board president Cameron Mayer and NVC chairwoman Kimberly Zibilich for “2011…a NOMA Odyssey.” Deacon John will take center stage and attendees will be treated to international cuisine, both live and silent auctions, valet parking and the opening of a new exhibition gallery given by NOMA friends and family.

In its first century, NOMA built a world-class collection and an expansive facility, and gained recognition as “the finest art museum in the mid-south.” This year’s ball will mark the opening of “100 4 100: Gifts for NOMA’s Second Century,” an exhibition of additions added to the permanent collection that were given in celebration of NOMA’s first century and the commencement of its second.

Special thanks to director of communications and marketing Grace Wilson and to sculpture garden manager Pamela Buckman of the New Orleans Museum of Art.

This article appears in the November 2011 issue of St. Charles Avenue

Why I Started Event Resources

My background in civic and community service began during my career as a paralegal from 1992-2000. Involvement with programs such as Young Leadership Council, HUGS at Adams and Reese LLP, Contemporary Arts Center, The Executive Women’s Golf Association, and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation gave me an understanding of service to our community.

After marring software executive Keith Zibilich, in 2000 I became a licensed real estate agent. During the last 13 years I became a member of the Lake Vista Property Owners Association, Lake Vista Garden Club, The New Orleans Museum of Art, The Women’s Guild of the New Orleans Opera Association and Friends of City Park. However, my passion for community service also led me to become a Certified CASA advocate in 2007. In 2010, I also became Pilates Mat Certified with Balance Body University and a Certified Xtend Barre instructor.

While working on many fundraisers throughout the city, I was delighted when I was elected as Chair in 2011 for the New Orleans Museum of Art Volunteer Committee. This was a big year for NOMA as it celebrated a huge milestone its Centennial Year. Myself along with many committee members raised numerous funds throughout the yearlong celebration, which included, Art in Bloom, Home and Art Tour, LOVE in the Garden, Odyssey Ball and a wide range of other activities.

Most recently I became involved with Friends of City Park, and was delighted when asked to co-chair Lark in the Park, Cabana Nights, along with Helen Reed Smith and Jackie Palumbo. It was an extraordinary experience to work along with a great team of co-chairs and with Friends staff, Rodney, Casie and Natalie.

For the past 5 years I have also held a “real job” with a local Destination Management Company but, with my experience in the community paired with my DMC knowledge, I felt it was time for me to set a new goal and start my own company.

I am enthusiastic and grateful for the support of my husband, family and friends.