Save Our Cemeteries All Saints Soiree

Save Our Cemeteries is a non-profit based here in Nola that is committeed to the preservation of Louisiana's historically significant (and hauntingly beautiful) cemeteries.  The organization holds clean ups, educational lectures, tours of cemeteries, and fundraisers all with preservation in mind.  I was very fortunate to become involved with its annual All Saints Soiree last year and loved every minute of it.  Now, I am hooked and am, again, serving on the planning committee.

The All Saints Soiree is a unique fundraiser...certainly not an event filled with rubbery chicken/hotel food, sleepy music or two hour awards speeches!  Rather, a wonderfully eclectic crowd gathers for a night of great food and "spirits" (ha), dancing, and, the best part, evening carriage tours of our cemeteries.  Last year, the event actually took place in Historic Metairie Cemetery under tents, but we are holding it in a private home in the Garden District this year. 

Here we are at last year's event...I know, the pic doesn't really "show" much about the event!  (and certainly isn't a showstopping snap, but had to include it....)

The silent auction aspect of the event is always a hit, of course.  (Please tell me that I am not the only one who leaves those things with gift certificates for spas paired with a bottles of wine or men's belts and ties?)  Well, anyway, this year, the silent auction exceeds all expectations!  This year's "theme" for the event is a Masked Gala and, accordingly, the auction items nod to the concept.

Note the mask on all of the marketing materials....

Inspired by the masked gala idea, many of the big ticket auction items are going to be decorative masks, hand created by local New Orleans artists.  You can own your very own Amanda Talley and do good for Save Our Cems.  The masks are being posted on Facebook as they come in, but here are just a few of my faves thus far. 

"Copper Mask" by Amanda Talley

Untitled by E. Lee Jahncke Mead

I hoping that more well-loved artists continue to get on board and donate a mask or two!  ...dying to see what they can all come up with.

If you are interested in attending the event or simply learning more about the wonderful Save Our Cemeteries, here is the link to the extensive and informative website.  We also have a facebook page that is constantly updated with information about the organization as well as the All Saints Soiree.  I would love to see some Gimleters at this fun event....and will happily receive mask donations from any Gimleters/artists out there!

Cheers,

JSH