Saintsations Will Unveil Swimsuit Calendar at New Orleans Gala on Monday (Aug. 11)
By Sam Tabachnik
NOLA.com
As the New Orleans Saints ramp up for the start of the new season, the team’s official cheerleading squad prepares to turn heads with the unveiling of the 2014-15 New Orleans Saintsations Swimsuit Calendar.
The Grand Ballroom at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, 300 Bourbon St., will be transformed into a Who Dat extravaganza for the calendar release gala on Monday, Aug. 11, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Fox Sports NFL sideline reporter Jennifer Hale will serve as the event’s emcee, and other special guests are expected. Tickets are $40, with a limited number available to the public.
Proceeds from the gala are earmarked for the 4th Annual “Spirit Award,” a scholarship fund that was established by Lesslee Fitzmorris, president of St. All-Star and manager of the Saintsations, and Alfred L. Groos, president and general manager of the Royal Sonesta.
Kriste LewisView full sizeKriste Lewis, one of only two NFL cheerleaders in their 40s, fulfilled a lifelong dream when she earned a spot among the Saintsations for the 2014-15 season.Bill Haber / The Associated PressThe scholarship fund benefits aspiring high school seniors who wish to pursue dance team or cheerleading at the collegiate level and beyond. Last year’s scholarship winner, Macie Coker from Dominican High School, will be present at this year’s event.
New to the Saintsations squad this year is 40-year-old Kriste Lewis of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Lewis, a longtime dance instructor and mother of two, was diagnosed with kidney disease 14 years ago. After receiving her diagnosis, Lewis made it her mission to live life to the fullest and not wait to realize her lifelong dreams.
A passionate Saints fan since childhood, Lewis said trying out for the Saintsations was always on her bucket list.
To reserve tickets to the calendar release gala, contact Shari Appel of the Royal Sonesta at 504.553.2221 or email her at sappel@sonesta.com.
