Nearly 700 people got their first look at the inside of the historic Masonic Temple on Vermilion St. on March 19th for the opening of Trynd. Nidal Balbeisi's newest downtown restaurant officially opened with Saints Head Coach Sean Payton and Sterling Automotive Group headlining the event "The Trynd of Giving.”
Never one to do things the traditional way, Balbeisi turned his grand opening into a a charity event and enlisted the help of Payton and Sterling Automotive Group's, Art Leblanc, to raise money for charity.
"Lafayette has been so generous to me and my family. Trynd is the biggest undertaking we've done yet and the only reason it was possible was because of the support of the Lafayette community. When we opened it, I wanted it to be a night that we gave back. My friend, Art Leblanc, owner of Sterling Automotive Group, immediately stepped up and joined me in making this a truly memorable evening that raised money to affect people's lives,” said Balbeisi.
Sterling Automotive Group set the standard in giving for the event, serving as the event's presenting sponsor.
"When Nidal contacted us about joining him to make this event happen, we knew we had to be a part of it. This was Coach Payton's first visit to Acadiana. We wanted him to know the spirit of the people of this area. Sterling Automotive Group was proud to lead the way in raising money for these important charities and we look forward to continuing to do our part to positively affect the lives of those in most need of assistance,” said Art Leblanc, owner of Sterling Automotive Group.
Over $75,000 was raised at the March 19th event for Payton's Play It Forward Foundation and
ProtectOurCoastline.org, which helps families affected by the BP Oil Spill.
