Wine and Cheese
Press Release
May 26, 2006
WCRC Hosts Wine & Cheese Social
The Women’s Community Rehabilitation Center (WCRC) hosted the first annual Wine & Cheese Social on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 at the Lyceum Dean Ballroom in downtown Baton Rouge. Corporate event sponsors included American Gateway Bank, Bob Dean Classic Properties, and Mansurs on the Boulevard.
As guests entered the night’s “Land of Oz” via the yellow brick road created by LSU Theatre Faculty member Nels Anderson, MFA, they were greeted by Dorothy, alias Kaylee Bourgeois, and her companion Toto, who signified the organization’s theme of “There’s no place like home…under the red roof of WCRC!” Tables were adorned with replicas of Dorothy’s red-glittered shoes created by WCRC residents, artistic renderings of Dorothy and her companions that were specially designed by local freelance artist Rebecca Watson and graceful spring floral arrangements by WCRC committee member Karen Zobrist. A delectable array of hors d’oeuvres was provided by Mansurs on the Boulevard and live melodies by saxophonist Brian Babin.
Guests were formally welcomed by WCRC PR/Funding Development Committee Chair Marjorie Green, followed by remarks from UpLIFTD, Inc. Executive Director Daryel Prust. A brief visual presentation by WCRC Program Director Kristi Bourgeois was followed by special recognitions for past program director Sally Meyers and annual contributors. Committee member Dr. Mildred Feldman joined with Marjorie Green to present major donors with token gifts of used red clay roof tiles donated by Cribbs, Inc. and artistically enhanced by committee member Grace Bielkiewicz.
WCRC committee member Mike Zobrist presented the door prizes provided by Dan Jumonville of Group Insurance, Inc.; Brandon and Justin McDonald of Mansurs on the Boulevard; Dusty Wilson and Johnny & Pam Ashford of Seasons of the Heart Florist. Winners included Susan Stewart of An-Art-Design, Anna Stevens and Jeffery Fairley of United Methodist HOPE Ministries and Kasey Bourgeois.
Additional in-kind contributions were made by Heroman’s Florist, Community Coffee, Dr. & Mrs. John Earle, Ph.D., as well as Stan Guedry and Deanna Miremont of Franklin Press.
Serving on the event’s planning committee were members of the WCRC PR/Funding Development & Advisory Committees: Chair Marjorie Green, Dr. Doze Butler, Susan Johnston, Mildred Feldman, Sally Meyers, Janice Shiflett, Ralph Stephens, Mike and Karen Zobrist, Grace Bielkiewicz, Cynthia Michael, Amanda Pelligrin, and Christine Rhorer.
WCRC, a component of the Louisiana Industries for the Disabled, Inc., is a private, non-profit organization in its 31st year of serving the Baton Rouge community and seven surrounding parishes: East and West Baton Rouge, East and West Feliciana, Pointe Coupee, Iberville, and Ascension. It is a structured, reality-oriented, vocational focused, Residential Treatment Center for women with Severe & Persistent Mental Illness that assists them in reaching independent living. WCRC is funded through contracts with the Capital Area Human Services District and the Forensic Unit East LA Mental Health Systems, Jackson campus. WCRC has a fee for service contract with Louisiana Rehabilitation Services.
The HUD funded WCRC Supported Living Program began in January 1999 to provide Case Management Services and permanent housing arrangement for the graduating residents and Homeless Severe & Persistent Mentally Ill Women, with or without children.
For more information, contact program director Kristi D. Bourgeois at (225) 336-0000.
Photo copy (e-mail file – WCRC committee members & guests with Dorothy): Pausing just moments before the WCRC Wine & Cheese Social begins are WCRC committee members and the catering staff of Mansurs on the Boulevard: (front) Kaylee Bourgeois as “Dorothy”; (l-r) Merrit Melancon, Mansurs’ owner Brandon McDonald, Daisy Bounnavong, Susan Johnston, Damon Manola, and Karen Zobrist. |
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