By KEVIN CHIRI
Slidell news bureau
SLIDELL – The bar continues to get higher for the annual Jazz on the Bayou fundraiser hosted each year at the home of Ronnie and Gardner Kole.
But the popular local couple shrug off any thought of pressure in facing the challenge each year to raise much needed funds for STARC, Easter Seals and several other charity groups.
“Jazz” returns to the Kole home on the banks of Bayou Liberty this Saturday and Sunday, April 2 and 3, with another big crowd expected for the two-day event that last year set an all-time record by raising over $116,000 for charity.
Ronnie and Gardner are now in their mid-80s and have been asked more than once how long they will continue to be the faces leading the Jazz on the Bayou event.
But their answer makes it clear there is no thought of stepping aside from the benefit which is now ready for its 24th celebration of great music, food and incredible raffle items.
The adult-only fundraiser has become one of the most popular events to attend each year since Ronnie wraps up each day with a concert of his own, joined by longtime musical friends.
“How long will we keep doing this? We might slow down when we’re 100,” Ronnie responded with his usual one-liner. “We’re not slowing down and truthfully, doing something like this is what keeps you young.”
Jazz on the Bayou still has tickets available for either day at Chateau Kole, as it is called, with the party held from 3 to 7 p.m. each day. Tickets are $100 per person, with a table reserved for purchases of 10 tickets at a time.
Ochsner Health Systems returns as the Title Sponsor with Slidell Memorial Hospital and First National Bank of Commerce back as Presenting Sponsors.
Another lineup of incredible restaurants from the region will provide an outstanding menu of food with over 30 different restaurants represented. Ronnie and Gardner also make champagne the first thing guests are greeted with as they arrive before enjoying a variety of excellent wines and other adult beverages throughout the day.
Last year’s total to charity of over $116,000 was the biggest success yet in a 24-year run of Jazz on the Bayou events that has improved year-after-year. Both Ronnie and Gardner have their own ideas about why the benefit is the most successful fundraiser of any locally each year.
“People want to come to Jazz because we individualize the party,” Gardner said. “You are treated like you are the only one there in some ways. We try to be very thoughtful about everything you see at Jazz—where you sit, if you are near your friends, nice tablecloths with centerpieces—we even find out if someone is having a birthday or anniversary and try to recognize that.”
Ronnie quickly added that even though he and Gardner are the faces of Jazz it is a great committee of volunteers that works very hard each year to ensure the success of the event.
“Our committee is so great and I also think people like to support us because we have no salaried people and every penny that comes in for the event goes out to the charities,” he said.
With cutbacks in grants and funding for many non-profit organizations it is more important than ever for Jazz to continue.
“Last year we gave STARC over $60,000 and we know that was very important for them since the state has cut back their funding quite a lot,” Ronnie said. “Groups like STARC do such a great job for so many people with disabilities that we have to keep helping them.”
The money that is donated to Easter Seals is utilized in a specific assistance fund that benefits special needs in the North Shore area.
“Last year we knew of a woman who had to renovate her home since her wheelchair couldn’t get to the bathroom and the Jazz money is what helped her do that,” Ronnie said. “We want to make sure the money we give to non-profit groups benefits the St. Tammany area and that continues to be the case with what we do.”
Providing music along with Ronnie will be Bobby Ohler and the Harbor Band.
To purchase tickets call 504-524-5716.
