From the President ...

There has been extensive publicity about the plight of Le Petit Théatre du Vieux Carré, which was at death's door and about to be thrown into foreclosure. As you are very aware, Patio Planters du Vieux Carré has had a very long and close relationship with the theatre, even to the point that we have enjoyed rent-free meetings at the building for many years.

Your board, cognizant of the importance of this major cultural, architectural and historic building and organization, decided to step up to the plate and give a donation in the amount of $5,000.00. We are all aware of the very hard work that all the Patio Planters volunteers do in helping to assure that we raise the necessary funds to continue to operate our various service, charitable and fun opportunities that we offer our members and the communities of the French Quarter, city of New Orleans and metropolitan area at large. You have offered your board an overwhelming number of messages of support of this beloved project and we thank you. We thank you for your unselfish and steadfast support.

Next on the list of big time "let's party" endeavors, I urge you to save the date, cook that special dish and show up for our 63rd Birthday Party and just plain excitement bash, to be held this year at the Beauregard-Keyes House on May 16th, from 6-9 PM. Please bring a favorite dish to share. Members pay $10 and your guests pay $15. This is a delightful way to introduce others to Patio Planters.

Also, please check the Punch for a list of committee chairs and contact them to volunteer for our various events. This is a unique and rewarding way to meet other members, especially the many new members who have joined recently. New members! This is your cue to join in.

Please note an important date change for the Secret Garden Tours, which was moved to the following weekend to avoid the big Saints' game. The date is now October 10th and 11th.

Our big FUNdraiser every year is the White Elephant Sale and Auction to be held November 14th this year. I am pleased to announce that Sam Poché will be organizing the Auction and Marie King, Leslie Perrin and I will be chairing the White Elephant Sale. You stalwart volunteers for this event, and you know who you are, please contact us early. We also encourage new members and those who haven*t had an opportunity to "do" this event to please contact us also. This is a very important way to help us raise the necessary funds to serve our community, not only by giving the Caroling in the Square to our friends, neighbors and visitors, but also by offering the many community service functions we perform.

Next issue, I have exciting news from Janice Foulks, Sarah Dunbar, Alfred Lemmon, Dana Hansel and others about that jewel of a park behind St. Louis Cathedral. That indefatigable BB St. Roman is helping, too! The re-greening of the French Quarter continues! Calling all Patio Planters: you'll hear about it soon.

Stephen M. Swain, President