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Real Superheroes of Safe Harbor Gala is September 17th!


Safe Harbor is proud to announce that our tenth annual fundraising gala will be held on September 17, 2022 at 7:00 P.M. at The Harbor Center in Slidell.
For years the annual fundraising event was known as the Real Men of St. Tammany. In 2019, the event was reimagined, and Real Superheroes of Safe Harbor gala was introduced to the community. These Superheroes will work to increase awareness and financial support for the prevention of domestic violence. The Superhero who raises the most money for Safe Harbor will be named the Real Superhero of the Year at the close of the event.

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Premier Event on the Northshore

The Real Superheroes of Safe Harbor Gala is one of the premier events on the Northshore.

Admission includes live music by The New Orleans Mystics, a catered dinner, an open bar, dancing, a performance by the Pussyfooters marching group and other surprises. There will also be a silent auction, a live auction, and an opportunity to mingle and dance with guests at a superhero themed party.

Cocktail attire is requested, and superhero costumes are always welcome!

Meet the Candidates

Angelina Valuri

Angelina Valuri resides in Mandeville with her husband, Dr. Keith LaCour, and has lived in St. Tammany Parish since 2012. Angelina was a law enforcement officer in Florida for 13 years. She served as a patrol officer and a Detective, ultimately becoming the spokeswoman for the Gainesville Police Department. Throughout her career, Angelina had the opportunity to investigate hundreds of domestic violence cases. Angelina’s first arrest was of a domestic violence offender, which left a lasting impression on her. Angelina is a graduate of the University of Florida and LSU Law. She went on to become an Assistant District Attorney in both Orleans Parish and St. Tammany Parish. In New Orleans, Angelina was a leader in victories in Municipal Court Domestic Violence cases. As an ADA in St. Tammany Parish, Angelina gained a reputation for her enthusiasm in court and also her compassion toward domestic violence survivors. Angelina is now co-owner of SNACX charcuterie. Never one to stop wanting to give back, Angelina formed a partnership with Safe Harbor and created the “Stronger than a Board” program in June 2022. SNACX provides charcuterie and candy boxes to families living in the Safe Harbor shelter on a weekly basis.

Eric McVicker

Eric McVicker is a resident of Mandeville, LA, a graduate of LSU, and has a diverse professional background including legislative advocacy, political/organizational fundraising, radio, commercial real estate, & photography. He currently serves as the Vice President of Advocacy for The Center for Literacy & Learning and led their policy team to substantial literacy reforms in the 2022 legislative session. He is also a fundraising consultant for political campaigns and non-profits around the Northshore and state. As a professional photographer, he recently turned this hobby into a deep passion for presenting the beauty of the Northshore and the unique culture of Southeast Louisiana. Eric is a graduate of Loyola University’s Institute of Politics program and formerly served on the boards of Safe Harbor and the Youth Service Bureau, and now serves on the board of the Northshore Humane Society. He is the current Chairman of the NHS’ Fund Development Committee, spearheading a capital campaign for a new facility. He is also the President of two neighborhood associations in Mandeville. Eric and his Wife Melanie have three cats; Winston F. Churchill, Toula, Roux, and two dogs, Annie and Lena, both rescued from the Northshore Humane Society. They welcomed their first child, Caroline, in February 2022.

Gerald Cavalier, Jr.

Gerald Cavalier, Jr., is native of St. Tammany Parish, a combat veteran, and a successful local business owner-operator of both Cavalier Construction, LLC, and Coquille Coins, LLC. Gerald started out in the construction business at a very young age and built his thriving construction business through hard work and the satisfaction of a job well-done. In more recent years, he discovered a passion for historical currency and collectibles. Buying, selling, and trading coins and paper money as a hobby soon turned into his second business which he continues to expand as he finds more and more interesting and valuable collectible items. His second business has also turned into an enterprise that his family enjoys, often travelling with him to coin shows and other venues. He and his partner, Samantha, are the proud parents of Niah, Cole, and Cari. Gerald's successes in business and family are the result of his solid work ethic and patience. He hopes now to use his life and business skills to support Safe Harbor in their mission to provide services and resources to victims of domestic violence.

Jenny Mutter

Jenny Mutter was born and raised in Harahan, Louisiana and currently lives in Old Mandeville with her husband Shane and two children Ella and Sebastian. She attended St Scholastica Academy in Covington before entering her college studies at LSU and graduated with a bachelor degree in 2001. Jenny married her high school sweetheart, Shane Mutter in 2002 after having dated for 7 years. This year they will celebrate 20 years married. Jenny started her career in retail and worked at Bedding Plus for 3 years at the original location in Covington. It was at this time that she discovered a void in the niche market of fine linens on the North Shore and decided to open her own interior design and linen store in 2004. Jenny successfully operated Hestia Luxury in Linens until 2017 filling many homes with beautiful interiors across several southern states until the time came that she suffered the loss of both of her parents and decided to exit the interior design industry altogether. As fate may have it, two amazing women approached her about buying Hestia and so the store continues to operate today in its new location in Mandeville continuing her legacy. Jenny then decided to fulfill a dream she always had dating back to 2002 which was to be involved in real estate. Jenny has now worked for Latter and Blum since 2018 and is a successful realtor winning many awards since she began and assists clients on both the north and south shores. Jenny has been very involved in the community for many years, always lending a hand to raise funds for organizations such as St. Tammany Parish Hospital, Habitat for Humanity, CAC Hope House and a variety of nonprofits in the area. Jenny has served on the Boards of the St. Tammany Parish Hospital Foundation as well as Leadership St Tammany‘s alumni Board from which she graduated in 2015. Jenny also served on the Hope House Board, Old Mandeville Business Association Board and is the founder of a successful charitable organization called Chicks for Charity. She currently serves on the Habitat for Humanity Re-Store committee that created the increasingly popular annual fundraiser, Hammers and Heels. Jenny’s hobbies include yoga, running and spending time with family friends. Her children and husband are most important to her and she values the precious times traveling with them throughout the year with trips to the beach and mountains. Jenny, Shane and their children love living in Old Mandeville and stay active in their neighborhood as members of the Pontchartrain Yacht Club.

Jessica Jenkins Brewster

Jessica Jenkins Brewster resides in Madisonville with her husband, Drew, and their three children, Rhett, Dalton and Lilly. She is a St. Tammany native, born and raised in Mandeville before making her home in Madisonville. She is a graduate of Covington High School (Once a Lion, Always a Lion!) and earned her undergraduate degree from Southeastern Louisiana University. After college, Jessica received her juris doctorate from Loyola Law School and was hired in 2004 by the 22nd Judicial District Attorney's Office as an Assistant District Attorney specializing in bonds and asset forfeiture. Her eighteen years of experience as an ADA has given her the opportunity to train law enforcement officers and other assistant district attorneys in her field. In addition to her full time job and being a full time mom, Jessica also serves on the Board of Directors for the National Alliance of Mental Illness and she is a member of the Covington Rotary Club. Volunteering in her community wherever needed and spending time with her family round out her busy days.

Lauren Kaufmann Navarre

Lauren is a Slidell native (Go Spartans!) and graduate of Louisiana State University, who went on to earn her Juris Doctor Cum Laude from Southern University Law Center. She later received an Executive Certificate of Global Negotiations from Thunderbird School of Global Management. She loves her community and strives to be a resource for growth and opportunity in her hometown through the development of strategic partnerships that help her clients thrive. She values each interaction and treats each one as a chance to spread love and bring peace of mind to all involved. Over the years, she has gained significant experience, in practice and as General Counsel, in the areas of Business Law, Estate Planning, Successions and Probate, Intellectual Property Law, Regulatory Law, Construction Law, International Law, Mergers and Acquisitions, Contracts and Obligations, Settlement Negotiations and Business Risk Management. Lauren is blessed with an amazing family and the best friends. On the rare occasion she is not working, you will find her outdoors with her husband, Jason, and their two daughters, Dyllan and Jocelyn—whether they are in the woods, on the water, or on horseback in the country. She lives daily in awe of their general awesomeness. In lieu of an applause, Lauren asks that you pray for her as she navigates the God-given task of raising two strong-willed, intense ladies and one unruly husband. Lauren and Jason have an open-door policy in the event they are asked to host a living room dance party, a champagne happy hour, or a prayer group. She appreciates the crowd since she is incapable of cooking Italian and creole cuisine for any less than 50 people. And yes, you’re welcome anytime! Lauren would also like to apologize in advance for her inability to control her facial expressions. RBF is a serious condition that affects many caring, yet fierce ladies. She wants you to know that she does like you, she does want you to approach her, and in the meantime, she will be strategically planning the next thing she can do for you.

Mike Haas

Dr. Haas has been a practicing physician since 1983. He and his wife are owner / operators of Paradise on Columbia Med Spa in Covington, LA. They also teach Aesthetic Laser courses and advanced Medical Aesthetic classes. Dr. Haas spent almost a decade traveling to over a dozen low to middle income countries to help with the cervical cancer epidemic in this population. He holds many patents, FDA medical product approvals and publications, including a book on health “Your Body: Instructions For Use, Lose Weight, Get Fit and Feel Great the Organic Way”. He holds bachelor’s degree from Tulane in Bio-Medical engineering and an MD from the LSU Health Science center in New Orleans. Dr Haas attained board certification in Family Medicine as well as Hospice, and is a fellow in the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Nicholas Cressy

Nicholas Cressy is one of the founding members of Forrest Cressy & James. He is a second-generation attorney who was born in New Orleans and raised in Mandeville, Louisiana. He earned his Bachelor of Arts at Louisiana State University. After completing his undergraduate education, Mr. Cressy attended Loyola New Orleans College of Law. He began his legal career in his third year at Loyola University New Orleans, College of Law. Pursuant to La. Supreme Court Rule 20, Mr. Cressy represented indigent persons accused of crimes in Orleans Parish. After graduating from law school, Nicholas continued to serve his community by going to work at the Public Defender’s office in St. Tammany Parish as a felony trial attorney. As a Public Defender, Mr. Cressy gained 1000’s of hours of courtroom and trial experience. After leaving the Public Defender’s office, Nicholas went into partnership with his law school friend and classmate, Byron M. Forrest, and began practicing in the area of Civil Litigation, with a focus on Personal Injury and Workers Compensation Law. Nicholas is an alum of Leadership St. Tammany and has served on the junior board of Junior of Achievement NOLA. Nicholas’ hobbies include, music, auto sports, and martial arts. Nicholas Cressy has studied martial arts since 2005 and is Judo brown belt. He is also an instructor at a martial arts school serving adults struggling with anxiety & depression. Nicholas and his wife Jessika live in Old Mandeville, and welcome their son, Loïc, in the October.

Nick Fishel

Detective Nick Fishel of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office was chosen by Sheriff Randy Smith to be a true “superhero” for the citizens of St. Tammany Parish. Even though he doesn’t wear a cape, he definitely should. Detective Fishel is assigned to the Special Victims Unit and he has the difficult task of investigating sexual assaults of both children and adults, and the physical abuse of children. He also locates runaway juveniles and tries his darn best to convince those kiddos to make better life choices next time. Detective Fishel says he most enjoys working with juvenile victims, and bringing justice to kids that can’t protect themselves. He recently stated, “I love my job, and being able to build relationships with the families that I help is one of the best feelings.” On a daily basis, he works closely with the Department of Children and Family Services, Children’s Hospital Audrey Hepburn CARE Center, and the Children’s Advocacy Center Hope House to ensure the safety of children. He is also assigned to the U.S. Marshal’s New Orleans Region Task Force Missing Child Unit. Detective Fishel is a graduate of Slidell High School, Class of 2010. He began working for the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office in 2012, and while there, he worked in various divisions including Investigations and Mounted Patrol. In 2019, he joined the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office and hasn’t looked back. His blue blood runs rather deep and his father retired from Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office after 30 years of service. Detective Fishel is also a superhero to his 2 year old nephew, Kasen, and he spends an unbelievable amount of time watching Paw Patrol with this kid. Detective Fishel is in a relationship and together they have three adorable dogs, Nala, Maverick, and Nitro. Please Vote for Detective Fishel. He is a superhero to so many, and he fights the good fight.

Shane Mutter

Shane Mutter was born in Hana, Maui, Hawaii in the 1970's but returned back to his family's native roots of St. Tammany Parish at the age of 4 and has never left. Shane is married to his lovely wife and high school sweetheart Jenny Mutter and they reside in Old Mandeville with their two children Ella and Sebastian. Following in his grandfather's and great-grandfather's footsteps, Shane attended both St. Peter's and St. Paul's in Covington, Louisiana before venturing on to graduate from Louisiana State University where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Business Management in 2001. Immediately after graduating from LSU, Shane became a part of his family's business working in various positions running a multi-store operation in Louisiana and Mississippi named Bedding Plus. In 2014, Shane was tapped to take over as President and CEO of his family's parent company of over 80 years, Doerr Furniture, and expanded the iconic brand to the Northshore in Covington before departing this position in 2019 to pursue his dream of working in the hemp industry in Colorado. From 2019 until present day, Shane has continued his efforts in the hemp business by taking on the role of CEO at Seed2System CBD Company until it was acquired in 2021 by element6 Dynamics (formerly Santa Fe Farms) where he currently serves as Vice President of Strategic Relationships working in several states and internationally to grow industrial hemp for the purposes of transforming hemp into materials made for making paper, plastics, construction materials, and animal protein. Over the years, Shane has been heavily involved in his community serving as Past President of the Northshore Kiwanis Club, a board member for the Habitat for Humanity of New Orleans, an active participant for 5 years with the Hope House event "Men Who Cook", past committee member and organizer for the American Diabetes Association's annual charity bike ride, an active fundraiser for the Miracle League Northshore, and lastly a contributing member and fundraiser for the New Orleans Musician's Clinic! Of all of his community service involvement, Shane is most proud of having graduated from Leadership St. Tammany Class of 2008 (the best class according to moderator Mark Johnson) where he and his class founded the annual Christmas Eve gift giving event at the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center. The annual Christmas Eve visit to FPJDC has since been adopted by the entire Leadership Alumni Foundation and will continue as a proud legacy event initiated by that Class of 2008. In his personal life, Shane truly loves cycling and can be found weekly on the Tammany Trace racking up thousands of miles each year. He also enjoys snow skiing with his children, International Motorsports racing, hiking in the mountains, real estate investing and most importantly music!

Susan Kurzweg

Susan Mahony Kurzweg was born and raised in Shreveport, LA and currently resides in Covington with her husband of 38 years, Bob. Susan and Bob have 3 daughters and 8 grandchildren who, fortunately, also live in the state. A graduate of Louisiana Tech University, Susan earned her degrees in Physical Education and Special Education and worked in this field for many years. About 20 years ago, she "switched gears" and became a Realtor with RE/MAX Northlake Associates where she has been honored by the local Board, Northshore Area Board of Realtors, with the prestigious "Rookie of the Year" and "Realtor of the Year" Awards. Susan has also had the privilege of serving on the NABOR Board and the Louisiana State Board of Realtors for several years. Susan is a longtime member of the St. Anselm Church community where she has volunteered for many of their fundraising events, including providing the dinner for 100 golfers at their annual tournament. Always interested in aiding her community, Susan is currently involved with the Boys and Girls Club ~ Covington unit and her thriving real estate business.

Tammy Karas Griggs

Tammy is a local attorney with an office in Covington. She and her associate attorney, Nick Noriea, focus their practice on family law, criminal law, and personal injury. Born and raised in New Orleans, Tammy received a Bachelor of Accountancy from Loyola University and subsequently worked for Ernst & Young. She then received her Juris Doctor from Tulane University School of Law. She is passionate about helping her clients and supporting her community. She is a past President of the 22nd JDC Bar Association (2018) and past Chair of the Family Law section of the 22nd JDC Bar Association (2013 and 2014). She was honored to serve as a Board Member for the Hope House Children’s Advocacy Center for five years (2015-2019). Tammy and her husband reside in Mandeville with their two children.

Tiffany McGary-Cyprian

Tiffany McGary-Cyprian is a Nurse by trade and the Founder and Operator of the non profit organization, Project Blessings All Year Round Organization (2013). Tiffany is a Fidelity Bank P.O.W.E.R. member as well as her organization is a Community Partner with Fidelity Bank. Her organization is where her heart is and where you can find her putting all her efforts to work. Tiffany serves her community on different levels. Tiffany has 4 wonderful children, Nicholas, Anissa, Adrain and Melburn Jr. and 3 grandchildren . Her personality and passion for others is like no others . Tiffany’s hobbies are serving people, spending time with her grandchildren, teaching/coaching basketball and learning new ways to be a support system of those in need. Tiffany has worked with many organizations & developed several programs in disaster relief, community school supply drives, Christmas holiday adopt a child adopt a senior project and the development of veteran transition homes to help homeless veterans. Tiffany has received multiple awards from her state, city and community . She was chosen as the New Orleans Saints Community Quarterback recipient, Northshore HERO award recipient , Professional Women Of ST. Tammany, Louisiana Governor’s Volunteer Champion, City of Covington Volunteer of the year award recipient & in June she was the recipient of the Crown Me Foundation Gala’s Image Award & elected recently as the 2022-2023 VFW 7286 Auxiliary President . Tiffany is a 20 year Breast Cancer Survivor. Tiffany’s mission & vision is to serve those in need . Her favorite words are “I’m one woman on one Mission with one vision to change the world” her favorite bible quote is “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Her talent and her gift is to heal beyond her title!

Wendell Fairley

Wendell Fairley is a native of Mandeville, LA. Wendell is a local entrepreneur/businessman and owner of the first African American-owned Barber Shop and Salon in Mandeville. Wendell is passionate about serving as a mentor and positive role model for challenged adults and disadvantaged youth within the local community.

Tickets

Sponsorships

The Defenders: $600

One-Half Reserved Table with tickets for 5 Guests
- Name Listed Online & in Program

Thank you to:

Integra Mortgage Inc

The Incredibles: $1000

- One Reserved Table with tickets for 8 Guests
- Name Listed Online & in Program

Thank you to:

Integra Healthcare, Kenneth Ross, Sarabeth T. Bradley, Attorney at Law, Elisabeth Getzinger, Dominguez Reaffor Partners, Inside New Orleans Magazine

X-Men: $1,500

- One Reserved Table with tickets for 10 Guests
- Name with Logo Listed Online & in Program

Thank you to:

Fantastic Four: $2,000

- Two Reserved Tables with tickets for 16 Guests
- Name with Logo Listed Online & in Program

Thank you to:

Justice League: $5,000

- Two Reserved Tables with tickets for 20 Guests
- 6 General Admission Tickets
- Unique Table Signage
- Name with Logo Prominently Listed Online & in Program
- Recognition at Event

Thank you to:

Guardians of the Galaxy: $10,000

- Three Reserved Tables with tickets for 30 Guests
- 10 General Admission Tickets
- Unique Table Signage
- Name with Logo Prominently Listed Online & in Program
- Recognition at Event

Thank you to:

Avengers - Presenting Sponsor: $15,000

- Recognition at Gala as Presenting Sponsor
- Print and Press Media for the Event
- Link to Company from Website
- Three Reserved Tables with tickets for 30 Guests
- 20 General Admission Tickets
- Unique Table Signage
- Name with Logo Listed as Presenting Sponsor Online, on Gala Materials and on Subsequent Promotional Materials

You can also call Jessica Karr at (504) 352-6462 for more information.

Since 1991 - Free & Confidential

“To provide crisis intervention, safety planning, emergency shelter, empowerment advocacy, and other supportive services to survivors of domestic, family, and dating violence.”

Safe Harbor does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability and age in the delivery of services and employment practices. Learn More

Safe Harbor is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-government agency in St. Tammany Parish serving survivors and their minor children who are victims of domestic abuse.

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