May 21, 2007 3:23 PM

Bev (second from left) with
Dr. Roberto Quintal, and event
co-chairs Carol Hirsch and Touro Infirmay CEO Les Hirsch for the American Heart Association’s “Heart of New Orleans” gala. It is June 2 at the JW Marriott and will feature classic New Orleans dishes, auction items and more. For more information, call 830-2300.

Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans has been changing lives for decades and we are thrilled to feature on the cover the group’s 2007 Chase Bank Business Hall of Fame honorees: Vicky Bayley, Donna Fraiche, Marian Wallis, James Maurin and Joseph Jaeger Jr., as well as event chair Darryl Berger. The awards recognize the entrepreneurial accomplishments of local businessmen and women. The event is May 8 at the Hotel InterContinental, at which guests will learn more about Junior Achievement and how special this year’s honorees are.

Speaking of great events, the magazine is featuring our Registry of Charitable Events, listing benefits May through August. If we missed your event for June, July or August, please send the information to Sue Strachan at: sue@renaissancepublishingllc.com.

Mother’s Day is May 13 and we have the most creative gifts for Mom in “What’s Hot.” Everything from fun flip-flops to fine jewelry. And don’t forget to make a reservation to celebrate her special day at any of the city’s fabulous restaurants.

Another great gift for Mom is to get her a dream vacation. In “Roamin’ Holiday,” writer Tara McLellan asks some local movers and shakers about their favorite trips (as well as some cautionary tales about bad experiences), and asks about their own dream trips. I’m sure it will give you some exciting ideas!z

I can’t wait to tell you about a wonderful friend, Cecile Hardy, and her company, NOLA Couture. Cecile has been in California for years and after Hurricane Katrina hit, she decided to come home to New Orleans to make a difference. Being inspired by New Orleans historical icons, she’s created fabrics adorned with fleur-de-lis, a hurricane swirl, Gulf oysters with pearls, and wetlands. She produces polo shirts with crown logos, baseball caps, ties that have the look of Hermés and more. Cecile has her tie collection at Perlis, and the polo shirts, baseball caps and ties are at Feet First. All of it is amazing and she’s giving a portion of the profits to rebuilding New Orleans, starting with the Audubon Nature Institute and the Greater New Orleans Foundation. Check out the website at www.nolacouture.com.

Tom Mathis, the in-house designer for Symmetry Jewelers, has designed an incredible new collection of engagement rings that will dazzle any bride-to-be. And if you purchase one, you will get his brother and store owner Richard Mathis’ wife’s amazing cookies—everyone loves Joan Farrell Mathis’ cookies! The engagement rings are in addition to the extensive designs that Tom has produced for over 30 years. Be sure to stop by 8138 Hampson St. to see his designs and the other amazing jewelry Symmetry offers.

Have a great May—and don’t forget, this month is ideal for having a seafood boil, so to get some ideas for a party, turn to my entertaining column. Enjoy!