Krewe Kicks Off Their New Foundation With An Eye-Popping Fete Designed By Rafanelli Events!

This past weekend, New Orleans based eyewear brand Krewe celebrated their very exciting, important new chapter, officially launching Krewe Foundation. Working to change the way youth see the world, the Foundation provides access to eye care and free prescription glasses to New Orleans students, with the goal of reaching every local public high schooler in need by 2022.

Armed with an overwhelming amount of Southern hospitality, and a distinct NOLA penchant for fun, the Krewe Fête was a weekend filled with festivities. The pièce de résistance of the impressive itinerary? Saturday evening's Foundation Dinner, hosted by expert event planner Bryan Rafanelli and Krewe Founder Stirling Barrett.

The Church of Paul and Sara, a disastrously cool 19th century church that's been ever so chicly renovated by New York expats Paul and Sara Costello (it's even got 2 bedrooms tucked away in the back available to rent), was transformed into a beautiful scene by the brilliant team at Rafanelli Events. Colorful tablecloths strewn with mystical eyes, decorative plates that kept watch of their guests, and tall bubbling glass flower vessels embraced the optical theme and mystical vibes of the setting.

Following a delicious dinner by James Beard award-winning chef Justin Devillier, and a dessert reception held in the garden, musicians took to the stage for a concert of duets. Everyone from local legends to national touring artists drew quite the crowd, including Grammy Award winner Ani DiFranco and singer Princess Shaw; singers Kristin Diable and Anders Osborne, Jamison Ross and singer Jonté Mayon, Irma Thomas and John Cleary, the One A Gospel Choir, and Winston Triolo and Ian Wellman (members of the band Motel Radio). 

Click through for an inside look at the evening, and all the proof you need that New Orleans does it best!

[Photos by Cheryl Gerber]