Black & Gold Gala returns to the turf March 21

Written By Alicia Vial

The signature fundraising event will be held at the newly renovated Ochsner Sports Performance Center, home of the New Orleans Saints

NEW ORLEANS – The Jefferson Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the return of the Black & Gold Gala to the Saints Training Facility at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center Friday, March 21.

The annual gala, presented by CF Industries and hosted by the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, is the only event in town were you can “party on the turf” of the practice field. The unapologetically extravagant gala is open to all, not just Jefferson Chamber members, and funds raised at the event support the Jefferson Chamber in accomplishing its mission to support business growth, provide resources and enhance partnerships to support a thriving community.

“The Black and Gold Gala is not just a celebration – it’s a vital part of our mission at the Jefferson Chamber,” said Ruth Lawson, Jefferson Chamber President. “This event brings together business leaders, elected officials and community members in a high-energy atmosphere that fosters connections and strengthens relationships. More than just a great time, the funds raised directly support our efforts to drive economic growth, advocate for local business and enhance the quality of life in Jefferson Parish. Hosting it at the Saints facility makes it even more special, creating an unforgettable experience that attendees look forward to.”

The evening will feature live entertainment by The Phunky Monkeys, an open bar, casino games, gourmet food and special surprise performers. A curated selection of local gifts including sports memorabilia, gift certificates and experiences will be auctioned during the event as well as domestic and international travel opportunities.

The event is open to the public and guests must be 21+ to attend. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

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About Jefferson Chamber of Commerce: 
The Jefferson Chamber is the premier business organization in the greater New Orleans area. We work on behalf of our members to help their businesses grow, implement relevant and informative programming and provide opportunities to build relationships with other businesses in the community. For more information, visit www.jeffersonchamber.org

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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