By Barry Lemoine

There will be surf, turf and Pearl-izer Prizes galore when Nunez Community College hosts Pelican and Pearls, a fun, fundraiser to benefit the college’s scholarship program. Hosted by The Nunez Community College Foundation Board, this year’s gala will take place on Jan. 26, from 5 to 8 p.m., at Docville Farm.

Chancellor Dr. Tina Tinney said the date was chosen to highlight that the event truly is a party with a purpose.

“We chose the 26th since this is the 26th year that Nunez Community College has been a part of our community,” Tinney said. “Pelican and Pearls celebrates all that is good here in our hometown and at our college.”

She said the function includes a tasting from area restaurants, beer, wine, a special Pelican Punch, soft drinks, music, raffles, a silent auction and a bevy of “Pearl-itzer Prizes,” raffle items ranging from gift certificates, museum passes, theatre tickets and chances for the parade of prizes.

Cliff Englande, a foundation board member, said guests can expect a first-rate evening.

“Chargrilled oysters, steak tips, seafood pasta and a dessert buffet are just a few of the wonderful offerings our guests can enjoy,” he said.

Englande said the foundation is grateful to all of the sponsors and supporters of the college.

“Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Seafood Board donated fresh local seafood that will be utilized in some specialty dishes for us and many area restaurants and partners have stepped up to make this event a special one,” Englande said.

Tickets are $55 each and can be purchased by calling 504.278.6491 or by visiting www.nunez.edu.

Tinney said the theme for the gala underscores the importance of Nunez’s role in the community.

“We feel that Nunez is a gem in St. Bernard, and we want to celebrate it as a pearl in the parish,” Tinney said. “And as usual, we will also have chargrilled oysters at the event, so we thought Pelicans and Pearls theme would be a fun fit.”

Tinney said the 5 p.m. start time and the Docville venue are unique features of this year’s event and will add to the festive vibe.

The attire for the event is business casual with Tinney offering this advice: “It’s going to be a real teal deal, so sport your teal and pearl and come enjoy the food the folks, and the fun. It promises to be a community celebration of our community college.”

Barry Lemoine writes about people and events in St. Bernard Parish. To reach him, email barrylemoine@gmail.com.

From Nola.com.