Atlas Foundation New Orleans hosted the 6th Annual Friendship & Dialog Dinner at the Sheraton Hotel in New Orleans on October 22.

Guests included leaders from civic, academic, and religious institutions in the greater New Orleans area, as well as friends and volunteers of Atlas Foundation, who gathered to share the meal and the evening in a spirit of fellowship and community.

Mr. Richard Bienvenu served as moderator for the program that began with Interfaith Blessings by Rabbi Joseph Nemes, the Rev. Donald Jeanjacques. Speakers included Cathie Eustis, Atlas president,  who welcomed the guests and gave some opening remarks; Rev. Phoebe A. Roaf, assistant Rector Trinity Episcopal Church, who shared her impressions of her recent trip to Turkey; and Mr. Adrian Juttner, a cantor, who read from a book about his family’s history.

Members of the Louisiana House of Representatives , Mr. Austin Badon, Mr. Cedric Richmond, and Mr. John LaBruzzo each said a few words on the importance of dialogue , and thanked Atlas Foundation for its efforts in bringing together the diverse population of our community. They presented a proclamation to Atlas commemorating the event.

In addition to several videos, guests were entertained with the authentic Turkish folk dance and live Turkish music.