May 31, 2022
Women of Substance 2022
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.