Join us as we gather for a celebration of the life and work of Dr. Catherine Roland on Saturday, March 19, 7:00-9:00PM, at Jonathan Ferrara Gallery (400A Julia St.). Her friends, colleagues, chosen family, and all who have been touched by her life and work are welcome to attend. This event is an opportunity to celebrate her remarkable life, and to share your memories with others who knew and loved her.
The event will also serve as a fundraiser for SAGE New Orleans (NOAGE). Dr. Roland spent the last years of her life working tirelessly on behalf of LGBT elders in New Orleans. She served as vice-president of SAGE New Orleans, led weekly Coffee Talks (before and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic), and spent countless hours volunteering for various SAGE New Orleans initiatives. Attendees are encouraged to make donations to SAGE New Orleans in her memory. Donations can be made at the event, or you can donate online at sageneworleans.kindful.com.
Born in New York, Catherine Roland first moved to New Orleans in the 1980s, and served as a volunteer HIV testing counselor for NO/AIDS Task Force (now known as CrescentCare) during the height of the AIDS epidemic, and also served on their Board of Directors. She was a founder and Chair of New Orleans Women Against AIDS (NOWAA). NOWAA was founded as a women’s effort to raise money for people living with HIV/AIDS in the Greater New Orleans Metro area. With Dr. Roland’s efforts, NOWAA planned and executed numerous fundraising activities within the community, raising thousands of dollars for people living with HIV/AIDS. She also served as Chair of Community Relief for People with AIDS in New Orleans in the early 1990s.
In 2017, after some years living out of state, Dr. Roland returned to New Orleans, bringing her volunteer spirit back with her. In addition to her work for SAGE New Orleans, she was a regular columnist for Ambush Magazine, and she also rejoined the CrescentCare Board of Directors. In her will, she left a bequest for CrescentCare which will be presented at this Celebration of Life event.
The event will feature a live brass band, and a cash bar.
If you have any questions about the event, email info@sageneworleans.org, or call (504) 517-2345.
