To mark the 20th Anniversary of Legends for Charity, JJLA partnered with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to produce a heartfelt gala at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans on February 6, 2025, during Super Bowl LIX week. The event honored ESPN reporter Hannah Storm and raised vital funds for St. Jude while celebrating two decades of impact.
JJLA transformed the Empire Ballroom and foyer into a vivid tribute to New Orleans. Guests were greeted by a custom-built St. Jude Mardi Gras float, an unmistakable nod to the city’s spirit and an instant photo favorite. A floral Fleur-de-Lis installation welcomed attendees into the ballroom, setting a tone of pride and celebration.
Inside, local floral artistry, specialty linens, and rich lighting design filled the room with warmth and character. A photo wall honoring 20 past honorees stood behind the media step-and-repeat, inspired by the legendary Rex Room at Antoine’s Restaurant, the city’s oldest family-run dining institution and home to generations of Mardi Gras royalty. Guests and honorees gathered to celebrate the event’s milestone anniversary, with many moved by the tribute, including the wife of inaugural honoree Pat Sumerall, who was brought to tears seeing his image displayed alongside fellow Legends.
With only days to prepare before Super Bowl weekend, JJLA navigated vendor shortages and tight timelines with speed and ingenuity, engaging local artisans and florists to deliver a result that exceeded expectations. The client’s response said it all: “This event has never looked better.”