Winter 2014

Celebration in the Oaks in City Park is one of the most spectacular holiday lights festivals in the country, with morethan 165,000 visitors pouring into the park to see the magicalwinter spectacle. City Park’s famous oaks are swathed in hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, and breathtakinglight displays are scattered throughout 25 acres of the park,including the Botanical Garden, Storyland, and CarouselGardens. What’s even better? Friends of City Park get freeunlimited admission to Celebration in the Oaks as a parkperk. For more information on how to use your park perkcheck out the Celebration Member Guide inside.

Celebration in the OaksDon’t miss out on three parties that open the

celebration - Celebration in the Oaks Preview Party,Jingle Bells and Beer, and Celebration in the OaksFamily Party. The preview parties are always a blast, andyou get to view all the traditions you've come to knowand expect as well as see what's new before everyoneelse. Whether you want to get all dressed up, samplebeer in the amusement park, or celebrate with your children or grandchildren, there is a party for you. For more information and to purchase tickets visitwww.neworleanscitypark.com.

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Dear Friends,Martini Madness was another

successful event for Friends interms of attendance and fundraising.The committee exceeded its goaland raised over $30,000 for theLadybug Rollercoaster Station!Thank you to event chairs Sudie andRichard Joint, their committee andto all who enjoyed the beautiful

The Ladybug Rollercoaster ornament is in! The new Ladybug Rollercoaster is projected to open in the Spring of 2015, and it will soar higher and zoom faster than the one it replaces. The ornament is $15 and is the third ornament designed by India Stewart. You can also purchase the 2013 Langles Bridge and 2014 LadybugRollercoaster ornament as a gift set for $25. It is available at friendsofcitypark.com, the Botanical Garden GiftShop, City Park Gift Shop at Morning Call or Earthsavers locations. For further information, call 504-483-9376.

2 • Friends of City Park • Winter 2014

night at Popp Fountain.Natalie, your Membership

Coordinator, just informed me that we have exceeded 4,000 members of Friends of City Park. Wow!Remember to use your member perksevery time you visit the park. Yourmembership dues help the organizationcontinue to raise funds for capitalimprovements in our beloved CityPark. A recent survey by the OlingerGroup has reported that 95% of therespondents are satisfied with CityPark. In addition, the park had 16 million visits in 2013 with the averagevisits per year of 15 to 19. These are remarkable statistics! Be sure to tell your friends to become membersso you can enjoy the park together.

Celebration in the Oaks kicks offwith three parties this year the week-end of November 21 with the AdultPreview on Friday night, Jingle Bellsand Beer on Saturday night, and theFamily Party on Sunday. Start off your holiday season by attending oneof these festive parties. Consider purchasing a holiday ornament foryourself or as a gift in remembrance

of the 2014 season. See the detailslater in the newsletter.

Mark your calendar for Lark2015 “Celebrate Your Park, Here’sto Past, Present, and FutureMemories” to be held on March 13,2015. Casie and Jennifer are busyplanning with the Co-Chairs, LeighThorpe, Annie Orillac Thibodeauxand Robin Borne. Look for sponsorand ticket information coming soon.

As 2014 comes to a close, sodoes my term as President. It hastruly been an honor to serve you forthe past two years. Thank you forthe opportunity to work with theFriends Board, staff and many committee members and countlessvolunteers. Your contribution makesFriends what it is today and willcontinue to grow the organization in the future.

Sincerely,

Mary JohnsonPresidentFriends of City Park

The mission of Friends of CityPark is to maintain and increasethe value and importance of CityPark as a place of natural beauty,culture, recreation, and educationfor the public. All monies raisedby Friends of City Park (FOCP)will be used for the capital needsof City Park at the discretion ofthe FOCP Executive Board. FOCP is a tax-exempt, non-profitorganization pursuant to section501(c)(3) of the Internal RevenueCode and is a registered charitywith the Louisiana Secretary ofState’s Office.

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Mary Johnson, PresidentFriends of City Park

President’sMessage

Winter 2014 • Friends of City Park • 3

Ten years ago, in March 2005, the Board ofCommissioners of the City Park Improvement Associationapproved a master plan to return a world-class urban parkto the citizens of Greater New Orleans before the city’s300th anniversary in 2018. No one would expect the devas-tation that City Park would face six months later in August2005. With the insurmountable support of individuals andorganizations like yours, New Orleans City Park hasalready undergone so many improvements that it can easilybe considered one of the premiere urban parks in the world.

It’s time to celebrate all of these wonderful accomplish-ments, and ensure that future generations of people livingin or visiting New Orleans can create memories that willlive on forever. Lark in the Park is the largest fundraiserhosted by Friends of City Park and this year’s landmarkevent will be like none other seen in our city. We are inviting all who love New Orleans to see first-hand howmuch your majestic City Park has grown, and make a substantial contribution to its continued preservation.

Friday, March 13, 2015Patron Party: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. • Pavilion of the Two SistersGala: 8 p.m. – 11 p .m. • New Orleans Botanical GardenChairs: Robin Bordelon Borne, Annie Orillac Thibodeaux,

and Leigh Morgan ThorpeHonorary Chair: Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson

For more information and to purchase tickets, please call504-483-9376 or email Special Events Coordinator,Jennifer Montgomery at [email protected]

Join us in this unforgettable opportunity to Celebrate YourPark and Your Past, Present, and Future Memories.

Friends of City Park presented City Park CEO BobBecker with the Lark 2014 net total of $263,000 for theHistoric Wooden Carousel Restoration. Pictured are pastLark chair Andrea Frischhertz, Friends President ElectJackie Palumbo, Friends Executive Director CasieDuplechain, City Park CEO Bob Becker, past Larkchair Ann Heslin, and Friends President Mary Johnson.

Success of Lark 2014

Bob Becker, CEO

While winter doesn’t officially start until December21st, the Park begins its winterseason with all the events leadingup to and including Celebrationin the Oaks. This year we willkick off the Celebration seasonwith three great events.

Friday, November 21 we have one of the premier events of the entire holiday season, the

New Orleans City Park is proud to announce the one year anniversary of thePark’s newest coffee table book.

You’ll feel like you’re in the Park even though you are at home as you look through the pages of this beautiful book written and photographed by Kerri McCaffety. Kerri spent several months taking pictures of the Park and was able to capture it in all its splendor.

To celebrate the one year anniversary of this spectacularbook’s printing, you’ll receive 2 FREE tickets to Celebration in the Oaks when you buy a book. That’s a $16 savings,making for a great holiday gift!

To take advantage of this deal, books must be purchased at neworleanscitypark.com/city-park-book,or by visiting the Administration Building at 1 Palm Drive.

Celebration Preview Party whichfeatures restaurants, music, andentertainment and of course a pre-view of the spectacular lightshow.We premiere a new event onSaturday November 22 calledJingle Bells & Beer for youngadults – and the young at heart.Dancing, craft beers (and wine),munchies from local food vendorsand of course, the beautiful lightsof Celebration. Finally, we cap offthe weekend with the Celebrationin the Oaks Family Party, wherekids get the royal treatment(including the characters fromFROZEN!), hot dogs, hamburgersand much more. Friends membersreceive discounts on the admissionprice at all three events! Get information on each of the eventsat the Park’s website or from theFriends.

Remember, Celebration in theOaks begins on Friday November28 and we strongly encourage thepurchase of tickets ONLINE atCelebrationintheOaks.com.

I would like to remind everyonethat because the Park does not

Letter from the CEO


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Follow Friends of City Park on

receive any general tax support,the Park is very dependent uponthe revenue raised at Celebrationin the Oaks. All of the fundsraised in the event go directly to support the Park so this is a greatopportunity for you to not onlyenjoy the best holiday light display in the region but also tosupport City Park.

I want to thank you for yoursupport and invite you to comeand spend part of your holidayseason with us at Celebrationand wish everyone a safe andprosperous holiday and NewYear!

Robert W. Becker Ph.D.Chief Executive OfficerCity Park

Equest Farms is bustling with new students as well as regulars.The Tulane Equestrian team has been practicing in anticipation of their fall horse shows. Come to the in-house horse show onNovember 16 to check out the stables first hand and see the riderscompete. If you are looking for something for the kids to do over the holidays, Equest Farms offers Holiday Camps duringThanksgiving (Nov. 24-26) and Christmas/New Year (Dec. 22-24and Dec. 29-31). You can also bring school field trips to the facility during the week and host a birthday party at the stables on weekends.

Mark your calendars for the 10th annual “Tails but no BlackTie” fundraiser which will be held on March 15 & 16. Thisfestive event, celebrating the 15th anniversary of Equest Farms,will be a fun filled weekend for family and friends.

Events at Equest Farms

Friends come in all sizes!!!

Bravo to Sudie andRichard Joint, chairs of the11th Annual Martini Madnessand the 2014 MartiniMadness committee forputting on a fun and fabulousevent at the Arbor Room atPopp Fountain!

Republic NationalDistributing Company provid-ed over 25 specialty martinisand more than 25 localrestaurants offered a widevariety of exquisite eats!Catalyst Event Solutions’ DJprovided energy filled music,while Big Easy Photoboothwas slammed with guestsposing for the camera, ANDthe evening also featured a“Make Your Own MartiniBar” to keep things original.

Many thanks to everyonewho supported the 11thAnnual Martini Madnessfundraiser held on September19, 2014. Proceeds from theevent will benefit the installa-tion and decoration of thenew Ladybug RollercoasterStation in the CarouselGardens Amusement Park.

FEATURED RESTAURANTS:• Andy’s Bistro• Antoine’s• Banana Blossom• The Blue Crab• Blue Frog Chocolates• Broussard’s• Café Reconcile• Canal Street Bistro• Chateau Café• City Greens• City Park Catering• Commander's Palace• Canseco’s Market• Cottage Catering• Crescent City Steakhouse• Dot’s Diner• Gordon Biersch Brewery

Restaurant• La Thai Uptown• Le Foret• Mopho• Reginelli’s Pizzeria• Sammy’s Food Service and Deli• Slice Pizzeria• Sucre


• Velvet Cactus• Zapps Potato Chips• Zea’s Rotisserie and Grill St. Charles

RAFFLE DONORS:• Affirm Fitness• Borgne• City Park Golf• City Park Tennis• Earthsavers• Freret Street Boxing Gym• GW Fins• Hourblast Metairie• LeJouet• Lupo Center for Aesthetic and

General Dermatology• Massey’s Professional Outfitters• Maurice French Pastries• New Orleans City Park• Reyn Studios + Power Yoga• Salire Fitness• Serenity Spa• Superior Grill• Theo’s Pizza• VooDoo Arts + Music Experience• Ye Old College Inn


Friends of City Park Membership:This is the perfect gift for family and friendswho have almost everything! Members enjoypark perks year round and membership is funand affordable. Members receive FREEADMISSION to Celebration in the Oaks, theCarousel Gardens Amusement Park, Storyland,Botanical Garden, Spring and Fall Gardenshows as well as valuable discounts at MorningCall, boating & bike rentals at Big Lake, CityPutt and more. Go online for a complete list athttp://www.friendsofcitypark.com/member-ship.htm or call 504-483-9376

Ladybug Roller CoasterOrnament:This year's ornamentdepicts the memorableLadybug Rollercoaster. One of New Orleans CityPark's most iconic rides,this ornament will bringback wonderful memories for any NewOrleanian. The ornament is $15 and is the third ornament designed by India Stewart.Ornaments are $15 + $2 s/h ($17 each) athttp://friendsofcitypark.com/shop.htm or bycalling 504-483-9376.

Oak Leaf and Acorn Pin:Designed by New Orleans artist India Stewartto commemorate the 30th anniversary of Larkin the Park, this gold-plated pin of the OakLeaf and Acorn is asymbol of the majes-tic Live Oaks thatgrace City Park's1,300 acres. Pins are $30 + $3 s/h ($33 each) athttp://friendsofcitypark.com/shop.htm or bycalling 504-483-9376.

Gift Ideas

Annual Meeting of the General Membership Election of Officers• Date: December 10, 2014• Time: 12:30 p.m.• Place: City Park Board Room in Administration

Building• Address: #1 Palm Drive, New Orleans, LA 70124


Friends of City Park sustains its efforts from itsrobust membership program that offers benefits toFriends members. Our membership goal for the2014 calendar year is 4,000 members. As of today,we are currently at 4,000 members thanks to you!Remember to renew your membership and refer your friends in order to help us maintain this number. Your membership is vital to Friends ofCity Park.

Friends of City Park is vital and important tothe Park’s growth. Over the years, Friends has given millions of dollars to City Park for capitalimprovements through its fundraisers: our premiere event Lark in the Park, our wildly popular martini tasting Martini Madness, and our spooktacular family-friendly fete Ghosts in the Oaks.

As part of the Prospect 3project in New Orleans,City Park is delighted to have Will Ryman’s sculpture“Icon” in the Park. This piece is an elegant red sculpture with large rosesreaching for the sky and largethorns as well. Ryman built it in 2011 with painted stainless steel and fiberglass.The piece is courtesy of theartist and the Paul KasminGallery in New York. Youcan visit the sculpture at thefoot of Palm Drive where itmeets Golf Drive but with itbeing 30 feet tall, chances are you’ll see it before youget there.

New Orleans City Park’s CEO Bob Becker received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Bureau ofGovernmental Research. Established in 1994, the BGR recognizes government employees for outstanding performance and creative problem-solving. Winners have a minimum of 15 years in service and are dedicated publicemployees who deserve great recognition for their accomplishments. Bob took the helm of City Park in 2001,and he has been instrumental in the creation of the Park’s2018 Master Plan and the improvements made over the lastseveral years. At the employee lunch marking the 5thAnniversary of Katrina Bob said, “People like to get behindwinners. City Park is a winner.” We should all strive to bewinners like Bob Becker. New Orleans City Park is proudto call him our leader. Congratulations Bob!

Charting our success!

City Park’s Art Scene Blooms with New Sculpture

BobBecker’sLifetimeAchievementAward

NON-PROFITORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

NEW ORLEANS, LAPermit No. 572

Oct. 23 & 24, 2015Sept. 18, 2015

July 22, 2015March 13, 2015

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Winter 2014

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Transcript of Winter 2014