Gentilly Fest crowd parties despite rain

In spite of our efforts and prayers, the recent Gentilly Fest was drenched in rain for two solid days. Only the most die-hard fest and music fans braved these miserable weather conditions. In terms of music, food and crafts, Gentilly Fest 2009 was a success.

We offered two major headliners, Irma Thomas and Chocolate Milk, food from 20 of the city's best restaurants and caterers, a gospel tent that offered praise both days and great arts and crafts from fine linens to fine art. All that and little Tione Johnson on the kid's stage and pony rides, too.

But the economic success of the festival was disappointing. We didn't meet our targets in terms of fundraising or festival sales.

After an amazing first year effort, the second year Gentilly Fest offered some unique challenges and growing pains. But, regardless of the outcome we are not discouraged.

Festival chair Maria Tio wrote to say that "we remain committed to raising money for first responders in Gentilly, promoting commerce in our neighborhoods, and serving as a conduit for recovery information from non-profits to our neighborhood residents. We're also committed to the greater sense of community and fellowship that continued community activities foster."

On a personal note, as a fest organizer, we cannot thank our sponsors enough and we are grateful to volunteers who showed up ready to work in abysmal weather conditions. Collectively, we know that every dark cloud has a silver lining.

Denise G. Perez, chairwoman of the Gentilly Fest Medical Educational Center, wrote a short note to express her thanks to the Rhodes family for sponsoring the Medical/Educational Center at the fest.

"Ten organizations throughout the Greater New Orleans area and one nursing school, Delgado-Charity, participated in health screenings," Perez said. "The nursing students took 347 blood pressure readings and assessed several hypertensive people. Many people had no clue that their blood pressure was even elevated. This is just another indicator of the lack of medical care in the Gentilly area."...