NAMI Southeast Louisiana to Host Raising Hope Soirée on March 27

Annual event supports free mental health education, advocacy, and family support programs across Southeast Louisiana.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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NAMI Southeast Louisiana will host its Annual Raising Hope Soirée on Thursday, March 27, at the Lakehouse in New Orleans. The event will feature live jazz, a Food is Art experience, signature cocktails, and a silent auction, with proceeds supporting NAMI SELA's free education programs, crisis response partnerships, peer support services, and community outreach.

Why it matters

The Raising Hope Soirée serves as both a celebration of progress and a call to action, bringing together diverse voices united in the belief that mental health care should be accessible, compassionate, and free from stigma. The event helps sustain NAMI SELA's critical programs that work to reduce stigma and expand access to care in the Southeast Louisiana region.

The details

The evening will also honor Virginia Weinmann as NAMI SELA's Champion of Mental Health. Weinmann is a lifelong community leader who was the first woman to serve on a bank board in New Orleans and has dedicated decades of service to organizations focused on mental health, education, and historic preservation.

  • The Raising Hope Soirée will take place on Thursday, March 27, 2026.
  • Individual tickets are $150.

The players

NAMI Southeast Louisiana

A local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) that provides free education programs, crisis response partnerships, peer support services, and community outreach across Southeast Louisiana.

Virginia Weinmann

A lifelong community leader in New Orleans who will be honored as NAMI SELA's Champion of Mental Health for her decades of service and advocacy.

Nick Richard

The executive director of NAMI Southeast Louisiana.

Betty Tedesco

The chair of the Raising Hope Committee.

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What they’re saying

“Every ticket purchased and every sponsorship secured directly expands access to care, education, and support for families in our community.”

— Nick Richard, Executive Director, NAMI Southeast Louisiana

“Honoring Virginia as our Champion of Mental Health is both a privilege and a reflection of who she is. For decades, Virginia has led our community with grace, strength, and a deep commitment to service. Her advocacy for mental health and strengthening the civic and human fabric of the region reflects the spirit at the heart of Raising Hope.”

— Betty Tedesco, Chair, Raising Hope Committee

What’s next

Individuals can purchase tickets for $150 or learn about sponsorship opportunities to support NAMI Southeast Louisiana's programs.

The takeaway

The Raising Hope Soirée is an important annual event that brings the community together to celebrate progress and continue the critical work of reducing stigma, expanding access to mental health care, and supporting families in Southeast Louisiana.