Members Make Viewing Party a Night to Remember

Despite heavy downpour, the New Orleans Local SAG Awards viewing party on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025 bustled with a full house of extraordinary flair and a delicious dinner buffet at Dave & Buster’s — all made possible by the local membership.

Scores of door prizes and goodie bags were prepared by members Mademoiselle Ladybird, Kenneth Bryan and Mary Stieffel. They included special SAG Awards charcuterie boards, donations from member Aliska Moffett and other union swag. These were distributed throughout the two-and-a-half-hour soiree, where members mingled at tables with friends and new acquaintances alike.

Member MacArthur Hewitt greeted guests as they arrived and directed them to the party room, where the step-and-repeat was set up by member Adam Horwitz. Members Michael Collier and Phil Radelet, even with a wrist cast, ran in the rain to carry in decorations and surprises, and helped staff member Bill Hendrickson set up and break down. Member Sarah Durn facilitated red carpet photo ops and Local Communications Committee member Rhonda Laizer also documented the event in photos.

Local President Jim Gleason welcomed attendees and recognized elected leadership. Local SAG Awards Committee Chair Wayne Douglas Morgan thanked volunteers for taking photos, helping with setup and other party duties. He thanked committee members, Local Board member Randy Arrington and National Board member Diana Boylston, for their leadership role in planning and hosting the event. Boylston said, “I love it when I can help give our local union members the chance to meet, network and just have fun.”

New member J Andrieu Bilbo commented, “I loved the event and look forward to becoming more involved.”

Plans for next year’s party will begin this fall. Members interested in helping plan for the 2026 celebration are encouraged to email neworleans@sagaftra.org by Sept. 1, 2025.
 

Photo: New Orleans Local President Jim Gleason, Mississippi Board member Ritchie Montgomery, National Board member Diana Boylston, Louisiana Board members Wayne Douglas Morgan and Randy Arrington and Local Vice President Billy Slaughter at the SAG Awards viewing party in New Orleans. Photo by Ansh Vohra.