Raoul Blanco's watching...: New Orleans NBA All Stars Party 2014 with Mr. and Mrs. Tom Benson...

New Orleans NBA All Stars Party 2014 with Mr. and Mrs. Tom Benson

by Raoul Blanco

Once upon a time a man entered into a marvelous world hidden behind the most spectacular and sumptuous red draperies…… I was that man…

So we got an invitation from Mr. and Mrs. Tom Benson to attend the “New Orleans Pelicans NBA All-Stars Party” and immediately I started planning what to wear, no difficult, as my partner Mr. Aaron Martin says, "Everything in your closet is black, black and black"… Go figure…

This time Mrs. Gayle Benson chose the New Orleans Contemporary Arts Center as the venue. Once again Mrs. Benson reached out to the incredible talented event designer Mr. Bronson Van Wyck to turn the New Orleans Contemporary Arts Center entrance into the most magnificent Ball room. Mr. Van Wyck had work previously with Mrs. Benson for the Super Bowl Party 2013, turning part of New Orleans City Park into a spectacular mansion to celebrate the occasion… Mrs. Benson and Mr. Van Wyck can turn any parking lot into “The Great Gatsby” mansion…

There was a divine seating area, more like a living room, decorated with giant pelican’s frescos and white sofas for the guests to relax and have some cocktails after the buggy buggy… Another fabulous seating area in the middle of the venue kept the attendees gathered and entertained as if they were at home. Many small rounded tables all over dressed with impeccable white linens and fresh flowers invited the crowd to share and be cozy while the champagne kept coming out, Ms. Divine Patricia Gannon would’ve love this. We shared our table with NBA star #14 Mr. Jason Smith, his wife and their entourage, what a great company… I had a picture taken next to Jason Smith and I have never felt so short until then, gosh!!! The music band was terrific; they even got someone with walking crutches into the dance floor…

Bars stations were located around the facilities, all wood work painted in a rich red hue… Every staff member dressed in black and white. The ladies that served at the bar stations were precious and delightful, real women and real old school, loved them all… Food coming out at all times, two ladies pursued me during the night with delicious canapés’ platters, I guess they thought I was too slim (remember, I wore black)…

Mr. Tom Benson was looking absolutely handsome. Mrs. Gayle Benson was lovely and beautiful as always, wearing a form fitted rugged red cocktail dress with French embroidered lace bolero and inserts. A divine cascade of beautiful diamonds decorated her delicate neck, same for her earrings. I noticed that when I hugged her, the body guards gotten a bit hesitated, so I did it again, and again, and again. Mrs. Benson knows me well and knows there is lots of wicked in me, so she just giggled at it…. We love this lady!!! J

Once again Mr. Tom Benson and his lovely wife Mrs. Gayle Marie Benson got their guests feeling fabulous and everyone enjoyed every moment of this marvelous affair… Louisiana and its people, the best!!!

Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Tom Benson,

Raoul Blanco