St. Andrew’s Village Hoedown Friendraiser
On January 30, SAV held a Hoedown "Friendraiser" at the Abita Town Hall. Bales of hay, saddles, reins, and barrels - generously donated by New Heights Therapy Center - decorated the Hall as more than 150 of our Abita neighbors - including typical students from SSA , SPS, FHS and MHS - joined our kids for this afternoon event.
The Ozone Square Dance Club donated their time as 25 members of their local club gave a square dancing demonstration before inviting our kids to give it a whirl. They had a great time as they promenaded and do-si-do'ed around the Hall. When the kids weren't square dancing they were line dancing.
Guests were also treated to a roping demonstration by Cowboy Joe from Folsom who showed the cowboys and cowgirls how to rope a steer. We even made a "steer" for practice.
We served King Cake donated by Nonna Randazzo's Italian Bakery and Fresh Market and Root Beer floats donated by the Abita Brewing Company. We also served hot dogs, peanuts, and popcorn.
Sheriff's badges were given out as prizes for categories such as the youngest cowgirl, most John Wayne-like cowboy, most freckles, and more. Scott Simon, our local state representative, was the judge.
The three hour event ended with a tribute to the New Orleans Saints as Drew Kearns led the crowd with a Who Dat song.
While the event raised more than $1300, it was also a wonderful treat for our kids and our Abita community members.
The Hoedown was co-chaired by Jan Kuntz and Peggy Wales. Many thanks to our donors and volunteers, including Sylvana Travis, Lionel Carbajal, Ann Boucher, Cindy Cheatwood, Jackie Edrington, Patty Wheeler, Susan Shaw, Joy Thompson and her daughter Brittany, Linda Broom, and Reed and Richard Wilson.
Special thanks also go to Terri Huguet and the Ozone Square Dance Club, MaryAnn Haase for the invitations and banners, Mayor Fitzmorris for donating the Hall, and to Campbells Coffee for their new coffee blend called Blakes' Blend for Blake Wilson. $1.00 from each purchase of Blake's Blend will be donated to SAV.
See photos from the event in our Photo Gallery.