Raffle now open! Purchase tickets here for a chance to win a Longue Vue experience. Details below.
During World War II, Edith and Edgar Stern opened Longue Vue to friends, who in turn made their personal homes available for the war effort. During their temporary stay, this group of friends spent their evenings playing social games of tennis to connect and distract from the war: They called it the Racquet and Julep Club.
As a nod to the Racquet and Julep Club, our annual Games in the Gardens fundraiser celebrates the power of sports to connect communities, while raising funds for year-round garden education at Longue Vue, partner schools, and community sites.
Honoring Changemaker in Education
Dr. Michael White
Dr. Michael White is an accomplished, multi-faceted New Orleans-based clarinetist, bandleader, composer, musicologist, jazz historian, and educator. He is widely regarded as one of the leading authorities and culture-bearers of traditional New Orleans jazz music. White has performed in over two dozen foreign countries, played on over 50 recordings, received countless awards, made multiple national television appearances, and been featured in major media publications.
White has served on Longue Vue’s Board of Directors since 2022. His grandmother Natalie Forcia was a longtime member of the Sterns’ household staff.
Funds raised at Games in the Gardens support lifelong learning programs at Longue Vue.
New this year, Games in the Gardens will be part of a full Stern Legacy Week, recognizing local philanthropists, sharing memories of the Stern family, and thanking the Longue Vue supporters who sustain the Stern legacy for today’s community.
Schedule of Events
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Changemaker in Education Reception | 4:00 – 5:00PM
Honoring Dr. Michael White
Games in the Gardens | 5:00 – 7:00PM
Spanish Court & Oak Lawn
Games for Kids (ages 5-12) | 4:00 – 7:00PM
Discovery Garden
Attire: Garden-Sporty and comfortable shoes are a must!
Games Partners
18th Ward
Italian American Bocce Club
New Orleans Table Tennis Association
Pétanque New Orleans
Reign Rugby Academy
The Pilates & Yoga Loft
Featuring music by J. Riley Cain and Knockout Gumbo and food by Acme Oyster House, Lucky Dog, and Imperial Woodpecker Snoballs
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Community Games Day | 12:00 – 4:00PM
Free gardens admission and inclusive athletic engagements for Louisiana families
Raffle
Our Games in the Gardens raffle is live! Get your tickets today for a chance to win a unique and unforgettable Longue Vue experience.
A maximum of 500 tickets will be sold. Winners will be announced at 6:45PM on Thursday, October 15. Winners are not required to be present at the time of the drawing.
Sponsors
Presenting
Louise H. Moffett Family Foundation
Racquet & Julep
The Gayle & Tom Benson Charitable Foundation
Playhouse
The Erin and Jean Paul Hymel Family Fund
The Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust
Discovery Garden
Kabacoff Family Foundation
Gail & Rene Louapre
Spanish Court
AHG Services, LLC
Emeril Lagasse Foundation
Landscape Images Ltd.
Lauren A. Favret & Bryan Jones
Barbara Motley
Shlenker Family Foundation
Katherine & Billy Wade
Oak Lawn
Melissa & Bruce Gordon
Marilee & Andrew Hovet
Baty Landis & Lee Arnold
Adair & Ted Parr
Tennis Court
David Briggs & Mark Romig
Winnie & Mark Brown
Vivian & Richard Cahn
Mary Len & Louis Costa
Adam Eversole & Kyle Fulton
Edward Bonin & René Fransen
Ariana Ganak & Larry Lovell
Tonya Gatt & Benjamin Farrar
Cary & Deb Grant
Tania Hahn & Melissa Warren
Anne Teague Landis
Karen & Mark Logan
Jane & Dave Maher
Blanche Dee McCloskey
Fran & Joe McManus
Selby & David Melius
Media Partner
WDSU
Special Thanks
Acme Oyster House
Andree Bothe
Goldring Family Foundation
Second Line Brewing
2026 Event Chairs
David Briggs
Gail Hester Louapre
Host Committee
Winnie Brown
Adam Eversole & Kyle Fulton
Ariana Ganak
Alice Glenn
Melissa Gordon
Cary & Deb Grant
Carol Hall
JoAnn Letten
Ralph Mahana
Fran McManus
Sybil Reed
Emery & Kristian Sonnier
Gina Swanson
Camille Whitworth
