NEW ORLEANS – The Galatoire Foundation said it raised more than a quarter of a million dollars at its annual Mardi Gras Table Auction on Jan. 9 at Galatoire’s restaurant. The highest bid of the night was $34,000 for a 12-person table. The restaurant said it raised more than $380,000 between the Mardi Gras auction and a Christmas auction, which took place in December.
“We are continuously blown away by the generosity of our devoted Galatoire’s patrons. It is because of them that we can support so many wonderful and timely organizations in our city,” said Melvin Rodrigue, Galatoire Foundation president, in a press release.
Money raised during the year’s table auctions benefits Galatoire Foundation and 10 other local nonprofits: Bayou District Foundation, NAMI New Orleans, Electric Girls, Girls on the Run, Historic BK House and Gardens, Hotel Hope, Project Lazarus, Raphael Village, St. Michael Special School and Yeah! Yoga.
Since 2006, Galatoire Foundation has organized annual Christmas and Mardi Gras table auctions. To date, these auctions have generated more than $3.8 million for neighborhood rebuilding, crime prevention, youth programs, entrepreneurship support and other causes. Past recipients include Covenant House, Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré, Kingsley House, Dress for Success, Audubon Nature Institute, Liberty’s Kitchen, the Idea Village, The New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation and more.
Galatoire Foundation’s community involvement extends across south Louisiana, working through Galatoire’s, Galatoire’s “33” Bar & Steak and Galerie de Galatoire.
