Southeastern Louisiana University

Columbia's Deco Ball returns as fundraiser for historic theatre's marquee

Contact: Christina Chapple

11/6/06

Caption ...

UP IN LIGHTS AT THE COLUMBIA -- Couples dance on the stage of Southeastern Louisiana University’s Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts to the music of the Dominoes at the first annual "Deco Ball." The second Deco Ball, scheduled for Jan. 13 at Southeastern Louisiana University’s Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, will raise money to fund the new marquee on the historic theater’s facade. Tickets are available at the Columbia Theatre administrative office, 220 E. Thomas St., 985-543-4366.

     HAMMOND – The shining marquee on the corner of Southeastern Louisiana University’s Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts arrived just in time to lend a special new glow to the 2006-07 Fanfare/Columbia season. And now, the gala that debuted two years ago to fund the colorful neon display is also making a timely return.

     The Deco Ball, the festive marquee fundraiser, is scheduled for Jan. 13, 8-12 p.m., at the historic downtown Hammond theater.

     Originally expected to be an annual affair, last year’s Deco Ball was a casualty of Hurricane Katrina. “We’re thrilled to be able to host it again this year,” said Columbia/Fanfare director Donna Gay Anderson. “Our new marquee is proving to be the effective marketing tool that we knew it would be. The 2007 Deco Ball will continue to help us generate funds to reduce the marquee debt -- plus, judging from the success of our first ball in 2005, it will be a festive beginning for the new year.”

     Planning for the 2007 Deco Ball is well underway, chaired by Patty Hubert and co-chaired by Jackie Griffith. The gala event will feature dancing on the Columbia stage to music by the Dominoes, festivities throughout the theater complex, and food and beverages by Tope’ La Catering.

     “It’s going to be an elegant evening, an opportunity to dress up and have a great time for a worthy cause,” Anderson said. “The setting will be glamorous, the food will be wonderful, and the music will coax you to the dance floor.”

     Tickets for the Deco Ball are $100 a person and can be obtained by calling or visiting the Columbia Theatre administrative office, 220 E. Thomas St., 985-543-4366. Patrons can also reserve a table for eight for $1,000.

     The Deco Ball committee includes Anderson, Howard Nichols, Harriet Vogt, Bonnie Sue Barrilleaux, Lucinda Beacham, Fay Bright, Polly Durham, Mary Jo Greaves, Carol Knott, Tonya Lowentritt, Ricky Masaracchia, Marjorie Morrison, Pete Pfeil, Anne Sharp, and Katie Wainwright.

     For additional information about the Deco Ball, contact the Columbia at 985-543-4366.