St. Katharine Drexel Prep’s inaugural ‘Remember When’ Fest is April 5

31st March 2014   ·   0 Comments

By Kelly Parker
Contributing Writer

The school’s name has changed, but the legacy of sisterhood continues. Remember When—A Festival on Magazine Street, held annually for two decades to benefit Xavier University Preparatory school will hold its first event since the transition to St. Katharine Drexel Preparatory; which began in February 2013.

This year’s fundraiser takes place Saturday, April 5, at St. Katharine Drexel Prep School at 5116 Magazine Street. The night’s festivities will kick off the Patron Party; from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., followed by the gala-taking place from 8 p.m. until 12 midnight.

The Patron party will be held from 6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. and the Gala will be from 8 p.m. until 12 a.m. Remember When fundraiser serves as the major fundraiser event for the school, and has gained the reputation of being one of New Orleans most anticipated galas.

Patron tickets are $150 per person; which includes admission to the gala, a dinner and entertainment by Quiet Storm. Individual gala tickets are $60.

The event that was traditionally held in January will be held in April for the second consecutive year; as the beginning of festival season in the city begins.

“This is the second year that Remember When has been in April it changed last year (April 6th),”­­ says Xavier Prep alum Marcia Gaspard, who serves as this year’s event co-chair, along with alum Paulette E. Ancar.

“It was a very successful event last year having it at this time, with beautiful weather and (serving as) the kick off for other major festivals such as French Quarter Festival. Many Remem­ber When goers also gave great feedback about the event being held in April.”

Last year’s event took place not long after news of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacraments’ decision to close the nearly century-old educational landmark at the end of the year.

“Fortunately, through the grace of God the school was acquired by (5116 Magazine St. Preparatory High School Corporation) and renamed St. Katharine Drexel Prep and the event will continue to go on in support of the School and the students,” Gaspard told The Louisiana Weekly. “Even though the legacy continues (this year’s theme for Remember When), there is plenty of work to do. This is a major fundraiser that is put on by the Xavier Prep Alumni Association which is an all volunteer organization of graduates of Xavier Prep.”

Three musical stages will feature the renowned sounds of the “Big Easy” including the finest jazz, New Orleans flavor, and Rhythm and Blues. Guests will also be treated to authentic New Orleans, cuisine from the hottest restaurants in town. Also, a silent auction will be held; including a large selection of artwork, hotel stays, gift baskets, and more.

Musical lineup for the Gala includes favorite local artists such as the James River Movement, Gina Brown, Kermit Ruffins, BRW, Chuckie See, Gavin Bell, Rebirth, Sharon Martin, Michael Ward, Germaine Bazzle, Phillip Manuel, Michaela Harrison, Darrell Lavigne & Mark Brooks, Rebirth, Clark Knighten & the 4 x 4 Connection Band, and Judy Spellman.

“Our focus is on getting Preppers of all demographics out to Remember When, because whether you are remembering yesterday or 20, 50 years…it’s about giving to a school that is molding young women for tomorrow,” Gaspard adds. “It’s about each student learning how to be Prepped for life.”

St. Katharine Drexel Prep will graduate its inaugural class this year on May 16.

To purchase tickets, go to www.eventbrite.com.

This article originally published in the March 31, 2014 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.