NEW ORLEANS – Galatoire’s Restaurant and the Galatoire Foundation announced in a press release that seven nonprofits have been chosen as beneficiaries of this year’s annual Christmas and Mardi Gras table auctions. In years past, two recipients have been chosen as beneficiaries but the last few events have been successful enough to create the opportunity to reach more people.
“Each [recipient] is deserving of these funds, which our loyal customers are always so gracious to bestow,” said Melvin Rodrigue, Galatoire Foundation president. “We’re excited to expand our reach in the New Orleans community.”
The two nonprofits chosen as auction partners are Roots of Music and Junior Achievement. The other five grant recipients are Big Sky Ranch, Girls on the Run, Giving Hope, Bridge House/Grace House and the New Orleans Ballet Association.
Started in 2006, the Christmas and Mardi Gras table auctions have raised more than $2.2 million for local charities. Each event allows guests the opportunity to reserve a table on Galatoire’s famed first floor the Fridays before Christmas and Mardi Gras, which are two of the busiest days for the restaurant. Tickets for the Christmas auction are $50 per two individuals and may be purchased here.
Since its inception, all proceeds of the event have benefitted nearly two dozen New Orleans-area charitable organizations, from neighborhood rebuilding projects and crime prevention to youth programs and entrepreneurship efforts. Past recipients have included Dress for Success, Audubon Nature Institute, Liberty’s Kitchen, the Idea Village, the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation and more. In the 2018 – 2019 season, the auctions raised more than $200,000.
“Two times a year 162 seats get auctioned off,” said Rodrigue. “As a foundation and as a restaurant, we do our very best to make the charities timely and about things that are important in the community. We are pleased to have this year’s auctions benefit a variety of wonderful organizations that make our local community the very best it can be.”
The Galatoire Foundation’s community involvement extends across south Louisiana, working through Galatoire’s and Galatoire’s “33” Bar & Steak.
