Author Archives: Stephanie

  1. 2022 Fore! Recovery Invitational

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    As one of the most unique golf tournaments in the city, the Fore! Recovery Invitational is truly a golf and food experience. Food, food, and more food! Players and friends kicked off the day with a delicious lunch of steak sandwiches from Desi Vega’s Steakhouse, wings from Hooters, and Bloody Marys at the Blue Williams, L.L.P. Bloody Mary Bar!

    On the course, players enjoyed food from Bourbon House, Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop, Luke, Mahony’s Po-Boy Shop, and Pizza Domenica. To quench their thirst, players stopped for Margaritas at the Margarita Beach Bar and John Daly’s at the NOLA Ya’t Club Bar, all provided by Southern Electronics. For anyone still hungry, English Turn provided a full spread of options during the Awards Party!

    Our Sponsors
    Many thanks to all of our sponsors, especially to our Presenting Sponsor Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust! A special shout for their involvement this year goes to the UNO Golf Team, our UPS Volunteers, and all of our in-kind donors!

    Congratulations to our 2022 winners!
    Taking 1st & 3rd Place this year, the two foursomes from Bayou Hot Wings – Anthony Rabito, Nick Rabito, Joe Gerrity, Johnny Luu (1st) and Kyle Makepeace, Allen Nguyen, Mason Mitchell, R. Jones (3rd); in 2nd Place this year from Resource Bank – Josh Gunn, Bryon Adams, Jim MacPhaille.

    Thank you to our supporters!
    Thank you to everyone involved for making the 2022 Fore! Recovery Invitational Presented by the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust another FABULOUS year – we couldn’t have done it without you! Supporting Bridge House / Grace House means that we may continue to provide treatment to those who may seem hopeless but for whom there is great opportunity for a life free of addiction. We couldn’t do this without the help of all of our Players, Sponsors, Committee Members, Volunteers, Restaurant & Auction Donors, Staff, and Residents!

    View photos from the event here (courtesy of Traven Stout Photography).

  6. Mr. Legs 2022

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    Mr. Legs Contestants returned to Generations Hall in what was an above and beyond SPECTACULAR event for Bridge House / Grace House! Not only is Mr. Legs now the largest fundraiser for Bridge House / Grace House, but the Contestants brought in more money through their fundraising efforts than ever before.

    2022 also brought the return of longtime Mr. Legs emcees Mike Hoss and Laura Buchtel who kept the party going for hundreds of in-person guests. Celebrity Judges Erika Ferrando (WWL-TV), Malik Mingo (WWL-TV), Ryan Veuthey (NOLA Brewing), and Vincent Giardina (Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust) scrutinized the costumes, routines, and – most importantly – legs of the Contestants, while performances by Les Rebelles and The Pussyfooters entertained the crowd before Contestant performances and during intermission.

    Also, back again, was the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust returning as Presenting Sponsor and WWL-TV returning as Media Sponsor. Special thanks to Copeland’s Restaurants (and the entire Copeland’s family), for coming on board as this year’s Mr. Legs Food Partner; along with CoolBrew who served hot and iced coffee during the event and Swiss Confectionery who provided desserts to be served.

    Thank you so much to everyone who attended Mr. Legs XXII and especially our Contestants, Sponsors, Committee, Volunteers, Judges, Emcees, and Staff! Mark your calendars for next year’s event – July 22, 2023!

    Contestants (in order of appearance): Michael Blackwell, Jeffery Carlson, Steve Carnes, Roberto Espinoza, Ryan Haydel, Travis Henthorn, Chris Kazik, Matt Rinard, Kurt Valvis, Michael Zarou

    Congratulations to the 2022 Winners!

    Matt Rinard – Mr. Legs XXII & Sexiest Legs
    Roberto Espinoza – 1st Runner Up & Best Costume
    Michael Zarou – 2nd Runner Up
    Travis Henthorn – Best Performance
    Michael Blackwell – Rookie of the Year
    Jeffery Carlson – Hairiest Legs & 10 Year Participation
    Ryan Haydel – Skinniest Legs & Fan Favorite

    See photos from the event here.

  8. Women of Substance 2022

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    Bridge House / Grace House held its 27th Annual Women of Substance Luncheon on May 13th 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 Joy Bollinger, Dian Tooley-Knoblett, and Gwen Briggs. Bridge House / Grace House also extends three specially designated awards each year at the Women of Substance luncheon. The 2022 award recipients were William Mimeles (Richard “Buzzy” Gaiennie Award), Christina Illarmo (Volunteer of the Year) and Christie Silvis (Alumna of the Year).

    Thank you to everyone who attended and supported this year’s luncheon, especially the James P. Raymond Jr. Foundation and the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust who both returned as the co-Presenting (Leadership) Sponsors. Many thanks also goes to the Audubon Tea Room for once again providing our event with a beautiful setting, and to NOLA Flora for their gorgeous floral arrangements.

    View photos of the event here.

  13. March for Recovery 2021

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    On Saturday, November 13th, members of the New Orleans community touched by addiction joined together in Palmer Park to “Second Line for a Second Chance” at the 5th Annual March for Recovery Presented by Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust. The event honors those recovering from addiction – a treatable disease, not a moral failing – and remembers lives that have been lost.

    Thank you to Bridge House Alum, Andy T. for sharing his personal story of addiction and recovery. Special thanks to all those who help to keep this event fun and free for all – Crescent Crown Distributing, Eddie Gonzales, Faux Pas Prints, GBP Direct, Goldring Family Foundation, Gracious Bakery, Iggie Perrin, M Press, Nathan Tucker, Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust, PJ’s Coffee, Revell Andrews, River Parish Disposal, Shipley’s Do-Nuts, Walton Goldring, and the Woldenberg Foundation!

  14. Women of Substance 2021

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    Bridge House / Grace House held its 26th Annual Women of Substance Luncheon on October 29th 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 Anne Raymond, Elizabeth “Liz” Copeland, and Leigh Whitman Director. Bridge House / Grace House also extends three specially designated awards each year at the Women of Substance luncheon. The 2021 award recipients were Susan Tyler (Richard “Buzzy” Gaiennie Award), Bill Gaiennie (Volunteer of the Year) and Michele Limoges (Alumna of the Year).

    Thank you to everyone who attended and supported this year’s luncheon, especially the James P. Raymond Jr. Foundation and the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust who both returned as the co-Presenting (Leadership) Sponsors.

    View photos of the event here.

  15. Fore! Recovery Invitational 2021

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    Over 100 players, volunteers, & friends spent a beautiful Wednesday at Lakewood Golf Club on October 13th for the 33rd Annual Fore! Recovery Invitational Presented by the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust. As one of the most unique golf tournaments in the city, the Fore! Recovery Invitational is truly a golf and food experience. Food, food, and more food! Players and friends kicked off the day with a delicious lunch of steak sandwiches from Desi Vega’s Steakhouse, wings from Hooters, and Bloody Marys at the Blue Williams, L.L.P. Bloody Mary Bar!
    On the course, players enjoyed food from Bourbon House, Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop, Jambalaya Girl, Mandina’s, and Quarter View. To quench their thirst, players stopped for Margaritas at the Margarita Beach Bar and John Daly’s at the NOLA Ya’t Club Bar. For anyone still hungry, Southerns was on-site serving Chicken Sandwiches during the Awards Party!

    Due to the unfortunate weather on September 29th, the Fore! Recovery Invitational Golf Tournament had to be postponed from its original September 30th date. The course at Lakewood Golf Club was soaked, receiving over 5 inches of rain. However, even two weeks later and on a Wednesday, this was our BEST YEAR EVER!

    Our Sponsors
    Many thanks to all of our sponsors, especially to our Presenting Sponsor Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust! A special shout for their involvement this year goes to the UNO Golf Team, our UPS Volunteers, and all of our in-kind donors!

    Congratulations to our 2021 winners!
    Taking 1st Place this year, the foursome from Liskow & Lewis – Barry Gonzales, Glen Madison, John Thornbor, & Alex Thompson; in 2nd Place the foursome from Verges Rome Architects – Chip Verges, Craig Godwin, Mike Argote, & OJ Vaelton; and in 3rd Place the foursome from IBERIABANK | First Horizon – Gordon Guthrie, John Draper, RJ Marse, & Warren Huggins.

    Thank you to our supporters!
    Thank you to everyone involved for making the 2021 Fore! Recovery Invitational Presented by the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust another FABULOUS year – we couldn’t have done it without you! Supporting Bridge House / Grace House means that we may continue to provide treatment to those who may seem hopeless but for whom there is great opportunity for a life free of addiction. We couldn’t do this without the help of all of our Players, Sponsors, Committee Members, Volunteers, Restaurant & Auction Donors, Staff, and Residents!

    View photos from the event here.

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