Seniors Kyle Richoux and Tristan Killgore were applauded for their performance with Lena Prima and the Lena Prima Band.

Considering the obstacles, Celebration 2015 came off “swimmingly.”

A smaller than usual yet spirited group of Jesuit loyalists braved continuous rain and, eventually, a puddle-filled parking lot to support Jesuit’s annual gala and auction, which encouraged party-goers to “Let the Blue Times Roll” in the River City Ballroom at Mardi Gras World.

This year’s event was held on Saturday, Nov. 7, and was chaired by Shannon Daigle and Missy Duhon. Entergy and The Azby Fund served as presenting sponsors.

Two limo buses and helpful MCJROTC cadets with umbrellas made the trek from Parking Lot “J” (a fortuitous coincidence) to the main hall more palatable. Members of the National Honor Society joined the cadets with serving and assisting.

The party featured entertainment by the Jesuit Jazz Band, led by Mr. Jason Giaccone, and Lena Prima and the Lena Prima Band. Before she began singing, Mrs. Prima surprised Jesuit president Fr. Anthony McGinn, S.J. with a $1,000 donation in honor of her father, jazz great Louis Prima, who attended Jesuit in 1928. Mrs. Prima also welcomed two Blue Jays, seniors Kyle Richoux and Tristan Killgore, on stage to perform several selections with her and her band.

Among the guests was Jesuit’s next president, Fr. Christopher Fronk, S.J., who enjoyed mingling and meeting many of the school’s benefactors.

The 2015 extravaganza featured a football pool for guests who followed the LSU-Alabama game on a 70-inch screen, a silent auction board for patrons, four auction boards at the main event, and a live auction hosted by local television personality and WVUE-TV Fox 8 meteorologist Bruce Katz. Katz’s son Riley, who accompanied his father to the event, is a 2013 Jesuit alumnus. The auctions featured an array of exciting items, including commissioned artwork, fishing excursions, vacation rentals, spa experiences, fine wine, hotel stays, gourmet dining, Saints tickets, and beautiful jewelry.

Lori Frischhertz led a superfloat-sized auction committee. Gabrielle Champagne and Shannon Perkins did the decorating, while reservations were routed through Wendy LoCoco. Karen Deblieux served as chair of sponsorships.

The gala featured specialty libations coordinated by Patricia Unsworth and Patti Mahoney and delicious delicacies from 23 of the city’s finest restaurants organized by Beth Vargas and a beefed up food committee.

Fr. McGinn offered his thanks to the attendees, donors, sponsors, and volunteers, who unselfishly gave of their time, talent, and resources to make Celebration 2015 a success.

Proceeds from Celebration and the Blue Jay Bazaar are used to offset operational expenses, allowing Jesuit to remain an affordable school of excellence.

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Nola.com – Let the Blue Times Roll at Jesuit High School’s Celebration Gala (article with photos)