September 28th Event Guide

Welcome

from Kheri Billy, CEO

Welcome to Reconcile at 25: SUNday Social! Tonight, we're not just celebrating a milestone – we're celebrating every young person who walked through our doors with a dream, every partner who believed in our mission, and every community member who invested in New Orleans' next generation.

For 25 years, Reconcile has been more than a workforce development program; we've been a catalyst for transformation, a bridge to opportunity, and proof that when we invest in young people, we invest in our city's future. As you experience this authentic New Orleans celebration – from our incredible alumni and partner chefs showcasing their talents to Sunpie Barnes filling our space with music – you're witnessing the power of community in action. Thank you for being here, for supporting our mission, and for believing that every young person deserves the chance to pursue their potential. Here's to the next 25 years of empowering futures, building community, and transforming lives right here in New Orleans.

Food & Beverage Guide

Taste the incredible talents of our alumni and community partner chefs and bartenders who are creating both delicious food & cocktails AND meaningful opportunities.

VIP

4PM - 5PM

Courtyard

  • Sparkling
    Castell San Pau Cava Brut Nature, Spain

    Red
    Galactica Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile

    White
    Galactica Sauvignon Blanc, Chile

    Orange Wine
    Grape Abduction, Slovenia

1st Floor - Cafe

  • Turkey Neck Gravy with Rice Grits

    Stuffed Sweet Peppers
    Shrimp and Hot Sausage Dirty Rice

    Butternut Crab Bites

    Cheese, Charcuterie, Pickles, Bread

  • Raw Oysters
    Citrus Mignonette

  • Brown Sugar
    Blend Dark + Spiced Rum, Ginger, Creme De Cacao


    Autumn Leaves
    Wheatley Vodka, Pear Syrup, Lemon


    Blackbird
    Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Blackberries, Lemon


    Electric Feel
    Corazon Tequila, Creme de Cassis, Lime Juice, Ginger Beer


    Cajun Fire Beer

    Coca Cola Products

    WINE TBD

MAIN

EVENT

5PM - 8PM

1st Floor - Cafe

  • Lilac in the Sun
    Sweet Gwendoline Gin, Mastiha, Citrus Oleo, Green Tea, Sparkling Wine

  • Sweet Potato Coconut Cream Cheese Cake

  • Brown Sugar
    Blend Dark + Spiced Rum, Ginger, Creme De Cacao


    Autumn Leaves
    Wheatley Vodka, Pear Syrup, Lemon


    Blackbird
    Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Blackberries, Lemon


    Electric Feel
    Corazon Tequila, Creme de Cassis, Lime Juice, Ginger Beer


    Cajun Fire Beer

    Coca Cola Products

    WINE TBD

2nd Floor - Emeril Lagasse Hospitality Center

  • Thai Basil Chopped Chicken
    with Jasmine Rice


    Thai tea

  • Shrimp Remoulade Bites
    Our house tangy Remoulade Sauce over Gulf shrimp. Served on a bed of lettuce with green onions.

  • Shaved Cabbage and Crispy Pork Salad
    with Coconut, Chile, & Lime Dressing, Herbs, Jalapeño, and Lemongrass

  • Kashmiri Fried Chicken Curry

  • Haitian Red Beans
    with Grilled Cabbage & Sausage

  • Spinach, Feta and Artichoke Phyllo Turnovers

  • Mexican Firing Squad
    Blanco Tequila, Fresh Lime, Pomegranate, Habanero Tincture

  • Brown Sugar
    Blend Dark + Spiced Rum, Ginger, Creme De Cacao


    Autumn Leaves
    Wheatley Vodka, Pear Syrup, Lemon


    Blackbird
    Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Blackberries, Lemon


    Electric Feel
    Corazon Tequila, Creme de Cassis, Lime Juice, Ginger Beer


    Cajun Fire Beer

    Coca Cola Products

    WINE TBD

Mezzanine

  • Miss V
    A house staple at NightBloom. With a vibrant green color, it’s an evolved version of a margarita.
    Agave spirits (mezcal & blanco tequila), Verdita (mint, cilantro, pineapple juice, jalapeño), Lime Juice, Agave nectar, Salt

Entertainment Schedule

Let the sounds of New Orleans fill your heart as local artists celebrate 25 years of empowering potential through music.

4-6 PM

DJ Duggie (Courtyard)

6-8 PM

Sunpie & the Louisiana Sunspots (1st Floor)

Interactive Experiences

Become part of our story by sharing memories, capturing moments, and envisioning the next chapter of Reconcile's impact.

Hopes & Dreams station

2nd Floor 

Merchandise area

with 25th anniversary items available - 1st Floor Cafe

Parnter Recognition

Meet the incredible restaurants, bars, and community partners who believe in investing in New Orleans' next generation.

GROWTH CULTIVATOR

Joyce
Schenewerk

YOUTH EMPOWERER

YOUTH ADVOCATE

COMMUNITY PARTNER

IN-KIND SPONSORS

Share Your Event Experience

Share the joy and help us spread the word about the transformative power of community investment and youth empowerment.

Tag us
@cafereconcile

Event hashtag
#SUNdaySocial #Reconcile25

Why We’re Celebrating

Discover how your presence tonight supports young people building careers, confidence, and bright futures right here in our city.

Message from Caitlin Scanlan, Chief Development Officer

For 25 years, Reconcile New Orleans has transformed the lives of thousands of young people ages 16-24 through our innovative workforce development program, proving that when we invest in potential, we transform not just individual futures but our entire community. Our comprehensive 14-week training program combines real-world culinary and hospitality experience in Café Reconcile with personal development, life skills coaching, and industry certifications, followed by a full year of continued support to ensure lasting success. With an 85% job placement rate and over $2 million in annual wages earned by our program participants, we've created pathways to economic stability and career growth that ripple through families and neighborhoods across New Orleans.

Every dollar you contribute tonight directly supports this life-changing work – funding everything from ingredients for our training kitchen and uniforms for our interns to wraparound services like transportation assistance, childcare support, and mental health resources that remove barriers to success. Your investment in Reconcile is an investment in New Orleans' future workforce, in breaking cycles of poverty, and in the belief that every young person deserves the chance to build a meaningful career and contribute to our community's strength and prosperity.