Bridge House / Grace House held its 31st Annual Women of Substance Luncheon on May 15th at the Audubon Tea Room to honor local female role models for the many women in our substance use disorder treatment program who are striving to become sober and self-sufficient. Three outstanding women from the New Orleans community, who we feel possess the ideals our Grace House women look for in a role model, were chosen as the honorees.
This year’s event honored Carol Starr, Laura Buchtel McWhirter, and Marcy Nathan. Bridge House / Grace House also extends three specially designated awards each year at the Women of Substance luncheon. The 2026 Award Recipients were Scott Crabtree (Richard “Buzzy” Gaiennie Award), Karen Tipton (Leigh Whitman Director Volunteer of the Year) and Brittany Greiffenstein (Alumna of the Year).
Thank you to everyone who attended and supported this year’s luncheon, especially our Presenting Sponsor – the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust. Many thanks also goes to the Audubon Tea Room for once again providing our event with a beautiful setting.