Event benefits expansion of arts education and programming in New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS – Cocktails for KID smART presented by the Aida Smith Johnson Fund for Children will celebrate its 20th anniversary March 23, at Press Street Station from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The annual event supports the expansion of programming in KID smART’s 15 Creative Schools and enables the organization to be a powerful force for arts education in New Orleans and beyond.
“As we approach the 20th anniversary of Cocktails for KID smART, it’s a fitting time to reflect on the incredible impact of this event over the past two decades,” said Jeanette Weiland, KID smART board member and Cocktails for KID smART co-chair. “For 20 years, Cocktails for KID smART has been a shining example of what can be achieved when individuals come together to support a common cause. Thanks to the unwavering support of our guests and sponsors, this fundraiser has enabled KID smART to expand its programming and make a lasting impact on the lives of students and educators—73,324 of them, to be exact!”
Cocktails for KID smART kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with an exclusive patron hour featuring delicious bites provided by Zasu and musical entertainment by Kyle Roussel. The main event takes place from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and includes a live auction of a one-of-a-kind art piece by Aimée Farnet Siegel and a Bourbon Tasting Experience hosted by photographer L. Kasimu Harris. Local favorite, Martin Wine & Spirits is catering the main event, while Kaleb and the Minz, comprised of four NOCCA jazz students, will serenade guests throughout the evening. Guests will also have the opportunity to take home limited-edition Champagne bottles designed by local artists.
“The family of Aida Johnson is elated to sponsor the 20th anniversary of Cocktails for KID smART,” said Dr. Jarrett Johnson, Aida Smith Johnson Fund for Children co-founder. “Aida spent her life dedicated to improving the lives of children. She believed art has a role in the education of increasing children’s curiosity about life.”
KID smART board members Krystal Hardy Allen, Martine Chaisson Linares and Jeanette Weiland are co-chairing the event.
Artists Campbell Hutchinson and Allison Stewart founded KID smART in 1999 to provide public school students with greater access to arts-rich education. In its 22 year history, KID smART has served more than 32,000 students and 5,000 teachers in schools throughout New Orleans. With the belief that the power of the arts should be available to all New Orleans children, KID smART works within public schools to reach underserved children with the most to gain from an arts-rich, social-emotional education.
Cocktails for KID smART is the primary vehicle through which the community at large supports the mission of KID smART. Tickets start at $125.
For more information about Cocktails for KID smART and to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.kidsmart.org/cocktails-for-kid-smart
About KID smART
Over the last two decades, KID smART has collaborated with more than 40 New Orleans public
schools to blend the arts into academic lessons to make classrooms more effective and joyful places to learn. Through full-year artist residencies, students in KID smART Creative Schools prove to grow academically, artistically and emotionally. KID smART also partners with national thought leaders, including Harvard’s Project Zero Classroom, to incorporate best practices in arts and education into its program model.
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