Magnolia Moonlight 2025: Nola.com
Angel Wings Foundation was the Magnolia Moonlight Fais Do-Do Title Sponsor for Magnolia Community Services’ annual fundraiser to benefit adults with development disabilities. Celebrated, too, was Magnolia’s 90 years. More recognition befell the honorees, the Arbour Family — Larry, Yvonne, Jeanne (“of blessed memory”), Steven, Tommy, Adele, Paul, John, and Amelie — and their beloved sister and aunt, Kinta. The latter, who was born in 1950 with Down syndrome, followed a dream by the family and joined Magnolia in 1983.
Jeanne Gallo, Karen Oertling, Margie Fell and Maureen Guste chaired the Fais Do-Do committee that included Nell and Herb Bergeron, Brenda Christiansen, Marion Eagan, Gladys Gille, Courtney Guste (with Dr. John Guste), Sue Jumonville, Meladie Munch, Yvonne Arbour Perrier, Lacey Weaver (with David), and development director Liz Yager. The board’s brass are president David Gallo; officers James Oertling, Andrew Bruns, and Dr. Julie Danna; directors Trevor Davies, Reiss Eagan, Allison Kingsmill, and Robert Lapeyre (attending with Patti); and executive director Jennifer Conrad (with Chris Barker).
Set outside on the historic Magnolia River Road campus, the 40th annual gala featured lighted tents, thematic centerpieces by Magnolia clients, music by Prends Courage Cajun Band from Lafayette, the tribute to the Arbour Family, mistress of ceremonies Margaret Orr, an auction of 290 items (several “winners” were Amy Creel, Mary Lucy Lane, and Darryl Mayeux), and purveyance by Pigeon Catering and Sazerac/Goldring Family Foundation. Further thanks tapped Knights of Columbus of St. Matthew the Apostle, Dawn Busters Kiwanis Club, and the Pussyfooters.
Making their rounds, as well, were Laurie Oertling with Karen, Jim Perrier, Robert and Louise Grieshaber, Wally and Michelle Landry, Shelby Lowe, Annette Trahan, Dr. Doug and Karen Swift, and Tucks royalty Adam Lambert and Ginny Casey.
