The event highlighted the many things we love about our city. From the moment guests arrived at the green turf carpet, they were met with the sights and sounds of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and the New Orleans Saints, with tailgating music, barricades, Sir Saint, a Drew Brees cut-out, and Saints-themed Bead Dog.
The front lobby featured a Lucky Dog cart, “drive-thru” daiquiris, and a St. Charles Mardi Gras scene, complete with children’s ladders, beads on barricades, a streetcar, and a jester. Lighting mimicked a float, while Mardi Gras music played, and walls were draped in purple, green, and gold.

Upon entering the Gayle and Tom Benson ’44 SA Mall, guests saw more familiar scenes and faces such as Audubon Zoo, a crawfish boil, and a giant Emeril Lagasse decoration, as well as an entire section dedicated to City Park highlighting Celebration in the Oaks and Café du Monde.

In the Robert M. Conlin Gymnasium, President Greg Rando ’77 helped welcome guests and thanked them for their support. The gym had a black and gold color scheme, and tables had various centerpieces of brass instruments, lighting, and flowers. A crescent moon hung above the stage and skyline backdrop. Stage left featured large block letters spelling out “Elysian Fields Forever" and the iconic Blue Dog appeared stage right.
Each side of the gym represented other notable scenes of the French Quarter and the Steamboat Natchez. A large tree centered the space with park benches at the base. The back wall was covered in places that “Ain’t There No More”, while a giant Mr. Bingle floated above the soft seating area.
Other areas of the party included the XLIV Champions Lounge, an outdoor karaoke bar resembling the Cat’s Meow, a photo booth, a fleur de lis ice sculpture, and a cemetery scene.Sir Saint and a Mardi Gras Captain were available for photos, as was the Lombardi Trophy displayed just outside of the XLIV Champions Lounge. Music included the Brother Martin Crusader Secondline Band making their way around the Patron Party, and the Brother Martin Crusader Stage Band and the Peyton Falgoust Band entertaining everyone during the main event. Brother Martin parent and President of the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, Brian Kish served as the Emcee, helping to greet guests, introduce key auction items, and remind everyone of the Mission of Brother Martin High School. Luka Čutura, Head Distiller at Seven Three Distilling Company, took to the stage to promote their auction items as well.

The event featured a Silent Auction of 179 items, several raffles, and a Laginappe Pull.

The top-selling auction item was a pair of tickets to the U.S. Open Tennis Championships 2027 Women’s and Men’s Finals with a 3-night Manhattan Stay for Two.There were also several raffles going on, including the
Vacation Raffle (Heads or Tails Game), Restaurant Raffle, $5,000 Raffle, and Blanton’s Bourbon Raffle.

Delicious food was provided by Pigéon Catering and Events (Dean G. Pigeon ’06), Copelands of New Orleans, Erin Caruso and Beverly Napier, Haydel's Bakery (donated by Christine and Milton Dureau '69 CJ), and the Brother Martin Culinary Crusaders.

The menu had New Orleans favorites and even played into the many festivals we have around town, including Jazz Fest, French Quarter Fest, and Hogs for the Cause.
Daiquiris and Company provided frozen margaritas at the “drive-thru”, Lucky Dogs served late-night guests; Pat O’Brien’s was on site serving Hurricanes; and BAR NOLA’s Espresso Martinis were the specialty drink for the night.