NEW ORLEANS – FestiGals 2017 impacted the lives of local women by raising more than $46,000 for the Cancer Association of Greater New Orleans (CAGNO), Breastoration and The New Orleans Family Justice Center, during the June 22-24 seventh annual celebration of women.
CAGNO and Breastoration, two organizations that support women during cancer treatment and recovery, were the beneficiaries of the Bodacious Bra Challenge and the Bodacious Bras for a Cause Brunch on Saturday, June 24, where three top fundraising bras, seven original works of cancer-inspired art, a live art painting, and more than 25 decorated bras were auctioned live or available for purchase.
Later that day, nearly 1,000 women sashayed through the streets of the French Quarter in the annual Stiletto Stroll Second-Line Parade, raising funds and awareness for The New Orleans Family Justice Center and shining light on domestic violence in the city’s largest women’s second line parade, led by New Orleans songbird Robin Barnes as Grand Diva.
FestiGals founder Diane Lyons said she feels blessed and honored to be able to use her resources and talents to support of women in the greater New Orleans community. “Our FestiGals Board, Dynamic Diva Advisors, BBFC and the Stiletto Stroll Committees are so committed to making a difference and have enabled us to raise funds for these important women’s causes,” said Lyons. “Their participation and the women who attend FestiGals are just heart-warming. And, we’re still accepting donations.”
The women-centric event was held at the JW Marriott Hotel, 614 Canal St., and included the New Orleans Women’s Conference with headliner Linda Alvarado, presented by Morgan Stanley, the Bodacious Bras for a Cause Brunch and Auction (BBFC) that featured actress, speaker and mom Zoe McLellan, and the Stiletto Stroll.
Approximately 1,500 women participated in more than 20 events that showcased New Orleans and supported FestiGals mission to “inspire, connect and celebrate women while supporting causes important to their well-being.”
Reps said the 2017 FestiGals New Orleans Women’s Weekend Experience was made possible with the generous support of Morgan Stanley, Cox Communications, Bienvenue Bar and Grill, Bevolo, Infinite Health, Ochsner Baptist, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, WBEC South, Blue Cross Blue Shield Louisiana, Downtown Development District, First Bank and Trust, Fidelity Bank, CPA Realty, Etre Cosmetics, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, Louisiana Tax Free, Patrick A. Gros, CPA, Stein Mart, Entergy New Orleans, Degas House, Harrah’s New Orleans Casino, Louisiana State Museum, Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture and Sac-A-Lait, as well as various community partners.
