Longue Vue’s Sentimental Journeys 2014 Takes Guests to the Gardens of Spain

NEW ORLEANS - March 7, 2014 - PRLog -- Save the date for Longue Vue House and Gardens’ 11^th Sentimental Journeys gala on Friday, April 4, 2014 from 7 p.m. until midnight. This year’s theme “Night in the Gardens of Spain” celebrates the iconic Spanish Court at Longue Vue House and Gardens and its inspiration, the Generalife Gardens at the Alhambra in Granada, Spain.

The history of Sentimental Journeys dates back to 1936, when Longue Vue Founders Edith and Edgar Stern embarked on a 14-month trip around the world to commemorate their 15^th wedding anniversary and Edgar’s 50^th birthday. In 1995, Longue Vue introduced the now annual benefit to support its educational and civic endeavors.

Since its inception, the benefit has raised over one million dollars that has helped Longue Vue fulfill its mission to preserve and use the historical and artistic legacy of Longue Vue and its creators to educate and inspire people to pursue beauty and civic responsibility in their lives.  Funds raised by Sentimental Journeys enabled Longue Vue to open its Lucy C. Roussel Discovery Garden to over three thousand students on field trips, work with community partners to build and install over 150 rain barrels for homeowners in Gentilly, present 4 exhibits of contemporary and student art and restore several of Longue Vue’s 23 historic fountains.

Sentimental Journeys: Night in the Gardens of Spain is co-chaired by Shaun Saer Duncan and Barkley Rafferty. Patricia Brinson and Olivia Manning will serve as the 2014 honorary chairs. “This is an exciting time for Longue Vue House and Gardens, with Tony Chauveaux as the new executive director and 2014 being the launch of SJ moving to a yearly celebration” says Chair Shaun Duncan.  “The Spanish Court at Longue Vue is such an extraordinary feature of the estate. We are delighted to recognize its significance and share the inspiration behind it with the city of New Orleans.”

The event will take place at the home of Joseph and Stephanie Bruno, a Gothic-style residence whose gardens were designed by Rene' J. L. Fransen Landscape Architects. The home is located in Uptown, New Orleans and listed on the National Register.

Guests will dine on world-class cuisine from Chef Michael Sichel of Galatoire’s and enjoy an exquisite selection of libations. The evening culminates in a one-of-a-kind auction featuring art, antiques, jewelry and travel experiences to hidden gems around the world - a perfect tribute to the Sterns’ spirit of adventure and romance!

Sentimental Journeys: Night in the Gardens of Spain is generously supported by IBERIABANK. Tickets to this exclusive evening are $250 and limited. Sponsorships and other inquiries can be directed to Jen Gick at 504.293.4723 or jgick@longuevue.com. Visit www.longuevue.com online to purchase tickets or learn more about Longue Vue House and Gardens.

About Longue Vue House and Gardens

Longue Vue House and Gardens is an eight-acre estate comprised of a Classical Revival-style house and 14 distinct gardens, including an interactive children’s garden. It is the former home of philanthropists Edith and Edgar Stern, and currently serves as an educational, environmental, and cultural resource for the public.  For more information, visit www.longuevue.com.