24th Annual Gala a Success
The Southern Dominican Province held its 24th annual Gala on October 20, 2011, at the Westin Canal Place hotel.
More than 400 guests enjoyed cocktails and a silent auction of 275 items, before being seated in the adjoining ballroom for a gourmet dinner.
The highpoint of the sold-out event was presentation of the St. Martin de Porres Awards to Fr. Neal W. McDermott, O.P., and Fr. Val A. McInnes, O.P., in honor of their Golden Jubilee Year of Holy Priesthood. As a complete surprise, each of the two beloved Friars was also presented with a specially commissioned hand-crafted gold St. Dominic Medal hung on a ribbon of black and white, the Dominican colors.
Very Rev. Christopher T. Eggleton, O.P., Prior Provincial, presented the awards and medals with the assistance of Fr. David Caron, O.P., Socius, and Fr. John Pitzer, O.P., Promoter of Vocations and Development.
Special silent auction items included a 19th c. copy of a rare 17th c. Byzantine icon in museum-quality framing, won by Richard Colton; a large framed pair of Incan weavings won by Dr. and Mrs. Eugene Stark of Chicago and Coral Gables, and a watercolor by Fr. Val McInnes, won by Mrs. Jo Pond of Palm Springs.
Table centerpieces were triangles of glass blocks etched with the Southern Dominican Shield, surrounded by candles atop mirror rounds. The silent auction area was decorated with 4’- tall blue vases filled with white gladioli and tropical greenery.
Music during and after dinner was provided by The Jimmy Maxwell Orchestra with Jim Maxwell directing from the piano. Bruce Giaimo played keyboard classics for the preceding cocktail hour.
As a special treat, Noel Nash flew in from Ireland to join Danny O’Flaherty, formerly of New Orleans but now living in Central Texas, in singing two of Fr. Neal McDermott’s favorite Irish folk songs (one of which Noel wrote), accompanied by their guitars.
Several former recipients of the St. Martin de Porres Award attended, including Drs. Haydee and Nic Bazan, Mary Jane and John Becker, Gayle and Tom Benson, Sue Ellen and Joe Canizaro, Beth and Dr. George Cary, Richard Colton, Nat Garofalo (Jeanette was unable to attend this year), Margaret and Dr. Eamon Kelly, Sylvia and John Laborde, Ruth and Ray Naquin, Marilyn Rusovich, Mary Ann Valentino, and Margie and Sandy Villere.
Gala co-chairs were Mrs. Thomas Bissell and Ms. Janet Clinton. Ms. Beth Sheridan designed the silent auction displays.
The record level of proceeds raised at the Gala will be used to continue the Province’s varied ministries, in the Southern United States and beyond; to educate young men studying to enter religious life and the priesthood; and to care for the Province’s beloved elderly friars.
The Province thanks Mr. Carroll Grevemberg (Grevy) for donating his photography of the
Gala, which may be viewed and purchased at Grevy.com. At the bottom of the page, click on Online Purchases, then enter your email address and the password 918.
Featured in photo: Verna Landrieu, Joe and Sue Ellen Canizaro, The Honorable Moon Landrieu
