Hispanic Hobnobbing

The Empire Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Hotel buzzed with the excitement of one of the most anticipated events of the season, the Excelencia Gala. Put on by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana, it commenced with a patron party sponsored by Brasa Steakhouse and chef Edgar Caro, who purveyed such tasty Colombian fare as sancocho de res. Julio & Cesar kicked off the sounds.

At 8 p.m., Val Grubb, of Val Grubb and Associates, stepped forward as mistress of ceremonies for the Colombia-inspired evening. Next came the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance, welcoming remarks by the HCCL President and CEO Mayra E. Pineda and the lauding of the honorees. They were Pan-American Life Insurance Group (Corporate Partner), New Orleans Jazz Museum (Community Leader), Jones Walker (President’s Choice), Julio Melara, Melara Enterprises (Small Business) and Julissa Olivares (Young Professional). Artist Arlyn Joenez from the Dominican Republic created the awards.

For the pleasures of the table, chef Kalych Padro and his team prepared a Colombian menu of fish ceviche, pork shank on polenta and chocolate tres leches, and for the entertainment, Ritmeaux Krewe performed.

Mardi Gras Productions captured the Colombian theme with vivid floral arrangements and impressive lighting, while Velvet & Wood Rentals provided furniture, and Melara Flower Designs and Fat Cat Flowers added more floral color. Meanwhile, the silent auction, which was set up outside the ballroom, beckoned with 140+ items, and as donors, Boudreaux’s Jewelry, Becky Fos, Terrance Osborne, Drew Brees, and the host hotel (among others for staycations).

Reveling in the thrills of the gala were Bill Hines and Richard Cortizas (Jones Walker) with spouses Mary and Erica, Julio and Sherry Melara, Helena Moreno and Chris Meeks, Bill Cassidy, Mayra and Hector Pineda, Raiza and Brian Pitre, Jenny and Ronnie Mains, Patty and Philip Riddlebarger, Teresa and David Lawrence, Reynold Verret, Ana Gershsnik and son Alex, Millie and Robert Kohn, Sandra and Eric Lindquist, Alexis and Danny Cruz, Jacqueline Simon, and scores more, who made the dance floor their playground.

The entertainment sponsor was the New Orleans Jazz Museum and the talented selection of entertainers included Javier Olondo and Ashe Son, Julio & Cesar, DJ Dotcommer, vocalist Santiago Linares, and pianist Ronald Rodriguez. In the joy of the beat and the bash, Excelencia-goers packed the floor from the beginning to the end of an eventful evening.

Bar Plaudits

The New Orleans Bar Association’s Presidents’ Award recognizes attorneys who, in addition to their professional excellence and integrity, have dedicated themselves to community service. Last year, Irving J. Warshauer was honored, following Leann Opotowsky Moses in 2023.

As it has been for years, the late-afternoon ceremony took place in the Windsor Court Hotel. It was opened by the welcoming remarks of NOBA President Thomas M. Flanagan. Next, past presidents were recognized. Since 2016-2017, the presidents have been Christopher K. Ralston, Judge Dana M. Douglas, Jason P. Waguespack, James C. Gulotta Jr., William B. Gaudet, Peter E. Sperling, Jan M. Hayden, Stephen J. Herman, and now, Thomas Flanagan, 2024-2025. In 2015-2016, Judy Y. Barrasso answered to president. At the reception, she also answered to the 2025 Presidents’ Award recipient.

The honored Judy graduated from Tulane University Law School summa cum laude and began her litigation career at Stone Pigman. Thanks to a law school alphabetized seating chart, she met Brent Barriere – described as bright and handsome, who became her husband. They are parents of daughters Ashley and Jennifer Barriere, who are both lawyers. Her firm is now Barrasso Usdin Kupperman Freeman and Sarver.

After Judy Barrasso received the Presidents’ Award of a marble obelisk, she delivered her remarks, urging her colleagues to “Try not to lose our own voices. To not be intimidated.” She continued encouraging pro bono work and “to help the rule of law remain the rule of law.”

Further notables were Brent, Ashley and Jennifer Barriere, NOBA treasurer Angie Christina, Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Piper Griffin, and Judy’s law partners Steven Usdin, Stephen Kupperman, and George Freeman. Also Chief Judge Wendy Vitter, retired Judge Robin Giarrusso, Walter Leger Jr., Kim Boyle, Chris Ralston, and Judy Perry Martinez. Others too, who enjoyed drinks and passed appetizers, namely truffle crabmeat on broche, spanakopita, and bacon-wrapped dates.

They also queued up to congratulate the honoree who, in addition to her exemplary professionalism and her devotion to family, loves to socialize. Judge Susie Morgan remarked in the printed program, “There is no dance floor she won’t dance. There is no party she won’t attend…. And she will have a good time.”

The Vest of Philanthropy

A board meeting and donation was the rally for several dozen at the Garden District home of Richard C. Colton Jr., who answers informally to Dick, and has been an avid art collector and owner of race horses. A deadly form of cancer transformed his looks and life decades ago. To acknowledge life and his spiritual journey as a result of his health battle, he wrote and published a book, “No More. No Less: An Artful Cancer Journey. A Remarkable Community. A Rediscovered Purpose.” Always a giving person, he became a recognized philanthropist.

At his home, the décor was autumnal, thanks to elegant florals, candlelit accents, and decorative pumpkins. Appreciation tapped Sheree Soule and Tina Soden for their coordination. A blown-up check caught every eye. This represented the gift awarded that evening by the Richard C. Colton Jr. Foundation to the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation. The $88,000 donation was for the purchase of protective vests for the police officers. As a reaction to the New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street, Colton wanted to establish something enduring and consequential for the men and women in uniform.

Among those present were New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, NOP&JF President and CEO Melanie Talia and director of Communication and Development Matt Stone, Sergeant Melanie Dillon, Lt. Andrew Waldron, and SPO Jerry Baldwin. And RCC Foundation board members Betsy Becker Laborde, Matthew Waldron, John Carrere, and Scott Sonnier.

Tommy Palfrey performed classical music, Grevy Photography (Carroll S. Grevemberg) took pictures, and Laura Arrowood prepared a scrumptious sit-down dinner with lovely china and stemware. It consisted of watermelon lump crabmeat, plated steak and salmon, and Mr. Colton’s favorite dessert, a root beer float served with a cookie.