NEW ORLEANS – NAMI Southeast Louisiana will host its Annual Raising Hope Soirée on Thursday, March 27, at the Lakehouse in New Orleans, with an evening of live jazz, a unique Food is Art experience, signature cocktails and a silent auction in support of free mental health education, advocacy, and family support programs across Southeast Louisiana.
The soirée serves as both a celebration of progress and a call to action, bringing together diverse voices united in the belief that mental health care should be accessible, compassionate and free from stigma. Proceeds will sustain NAMI SELA’s free education programs, crisis response partnerships, peer support services, and community outreach that work to reduce stigma and expand access to care.
“Every ticket purchased and every sponsorship secured directly expands access to care, education, and support for families in our community,” said Nick Richard, executive director of NAMI SELA. “When this community comes together, we are not just attending an event—we are building a stronger, more compassionate region where mental health is treated with the urgency and respect it deserves. These programs don’t just change lives; they save them.”
The evening will also honor Virginia Weinmann as NAMI SELA’s Champion of Mental Health. A lifelong community leader, Weinmann was the first woman to serve on a bank board in New Orleans and has dedicated decades of service to organizations focused on mental health, education, and historic preservation.
“Honoring Virginia as our Champion of Mental Health is both a privilege and a reflection of who she is,” said Betty Tedesco, chair of the Raising Hope Committee. “For decades, Virginia has led our community with grace, strength, and a deep commitment to service. Her advocacy for mental health and strengthening the civic and human fabric of the region reflects the spirit at the heart of Raising Hope.”
Individual tickets are $150. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and individuals who wish to demonstrate their commitment to mental health and invest in programs that change lives.
For more information, to purchase tickets, or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit Raising Hope Soirée.