NEW ORLEANS – The Emeril Lagasse Foundation celebrated its 11th annual fundraising weekend on Friday, November 13 and Saturday, November 14, 2015, in New Orleans, raising over $3 million for children’s charities.
The weekend kicked off at Champions Square with the Foundation’s signature outdoor food and music festival Boudin, Bourbon & Beer, where some of the region’s best chefs came together for an evening of Louisiana-inspired culinary celebration. The following night, the Foundation hosted Carnivale du Vin, its nationally recognized charity wine auction and gala dinner held at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans.
All funds raised at both events benefit the Emeril Lagasse Foundation. Since its founding in 2002, the Foundation has given more than $7 million to charities to support culinary, nutrition and arts programs, including Café Reconcile, the Edible Schoolyard NOLA and the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts.
“My wife Alden and I are overjoyed with the success of the Foundation’s most recent fundraising weekend,” says Chef Emeril Lagasse. “We’d like to express our sincere gratitude to the generous donors, sponsors, chefs and winemakers who are instrumental in making a difference in so many children’s lives year after year.”
Marking a record-breaking year for the Foundation’s fundraising weekend, nearly 5,000 people attended a sold-out Boudin, Bourbon & Beer on Friday. The Foundation also expanded the chef lineup to include more than 60 renowned chefs including Cory Bahr, Jeff Henderson, Justin Devillier, Kristen Essig, John Currence, Chris Shepherd, and more.
Carnivale du Vin featured culinary greats José Andrés, Kristen Kish, Art Smith and Jacques Torres. The Foundation honored winemaker David R. Duncan of Silver Oak. Over 600 guests experienced a 5-course meal created by Emeril Lagasse and served by 50 students from beneficiary programs.
“We’re thrilled that these events continue to grow and we hope to see them get even bigger,” says Emeril Lagasse Foundation President Brian Kish. “Event proceeds surpassed our expectations, and we are so appreciative of the continued support from the New Orleans community and beyond that makes the Foundation’s charitable work possible.”
