Red Velvet Night

Local artists, businesses join forces to raise money for charity

For three hours on Dec. 7 local artists joined forces with Ormond Plantation Plaza businesses to raise donations for breast cancer survivor Mistie Bohon and the United Way of St. Charles during the first annual Red Velvet Night.

Painters, photographers, and many other artists displayed their work for auction at the shops located within the Destrehan shopping center.

The event, which was spearheaded by Destrehan High School senior and artist Summer Zeringue along with Niki Walker of Niki Walker Salon, provided patrons with a night of beautiful art, auctions, wine tasting and food.

Karen Lowman, the owner of Destrehan’s Salon Ormond, says that, overall, she thinks that the event went well.

“This was our first year hosting Red Velvet Night, so it was new to us, but everything went smoothly. We raised $1,600,” she said. “And we hope to continue fundraising by making it an annual event each year to raise money for other charities and benefits.”

Lowman adds that close to over 200 people attended the event.

Gallery la Roux owner and photographer Tammy Mars was also on hand at Ormond Plantation Plaza.

On display at Salon Ormond were several of her award-winning images and studio samples, along with original pieces of artwork created by Bohon herself.

“It was personally important that I participated in the event,” said Mars. “I am one of Mistie’s clients at Salon Ormond and I’ve done the graphic design for all of the promotional material and advertising.”

Bohon, who’s been a stylist at Salon Ormond for over two years, recently underwent a full-double mastectomy as a result of breast cancer. She has also been diagnosed with two other rare diseases.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from the event went to both Bohon’s cancer fund and the United Way of St. Charles.

Raffle drawings were also awarded for a 1-year Contempo Spa membership, a guest DJ package on local radio station B-97 FM, family portraits and Britney Spears concert tickets – just to name a few.

Sponsors for the event included Niki Walker Salon, Planet Beach, Salon Ormond, Gallery la Roux, B-97 FM, Foxy Lady, Body Art, Courtney’s Hallmark, J Nails Spa, Comprehensive Sleep Medicine Center and Melanie J. Andrews Dentistry.

To make a donation, call Salon Ormond at 985-764-6467 or send a check or money order payable to the Mistie Bohon Cancer Fund to 1974 Ormond Blvd., Destrehan, LA 70047. Artwork is also still available for purchase at Salon Ormond and Planet Beach.