Galatoire's Raises Thousands at Annual Table Auction to Benefit Local Charities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Carrie DeVries
The Ehrhardt Group
504.558.1840
cdevries@theehrhardtgroup.com

GALATOIRE'S RAISES THOUSANDS AT ANNUAL TABLE AUCTIONS TO BENEFIT LOCAL CHARITIES
                                More than $80,000 Raised to Benefit the Galatoire Foundation,
                                                Dress for Success and The NOCCA Institute

(NEW ORLEANS, La.) – May 19, 2011 – Galatoire's Restaurant announced today it raised a combined total of $82,090 at their annual holiday and Mardi Gras auctions, held last December and February respectively.

Since their inception in 2006, the auctions have raised more than half a million dollars for local charities. This year, proceeds from both the Christmas and Mardi Gras auctions benefitted the Galatoire Foundation, Dress for Success New Orleans and The NOCCA Institute.

“These groups were chosen from a long list of organizations as a beneficiary because of the work they do in the community,” said Melvin Rodrigue, chief operating officer of Galatoire’s and president of the Galatoire Foundation. “We are grateful to our patrons for supporting our auctions which in turn allow us to fuel these great local causes and cultural programs throughout the community.”

The auctions allow customers the opportunity to bid to reserve a much-coveted table on the restaurant’s first floor on two of the landmark restaurants busiest days – the Friday before Christmas and Mardi Gras. In Galatoire’s tradition, the first floor seating policy is typically on a first come, first served basis.

"The Galatoire Foundation's generosity will help The NOCCA Institute fund supplies, equipment, and other important capital expenses associated with the launch of NOCCA's exciting new Culinary Arts program,” said Sally Perry, Executive Director of The NOCCA Institute. “The Foundation's contributions will also allow NOCCA to train the next generation of chefs and ensure that New Orleans' unique culinary culture lives on."

"This generous gift from the Galatoire Foundation will assist Dress for Success New Orleans in continuing to serve disadvantaged women in our community by providing them with professional attire, a network of support, and the career development tools that help them thrive in the workplace and in life," said Juli Miller Hart, board president for Dress for Success New Orleans. "Support from the community and partners like Galatoire's is essential to the fulfillment of our mission, and this collaboration has helped us tremendously, as we are moving into a new home and reenergizing our Professional Women's Group and Career Counseling."

Galatoire’s is located at 209 Bourbon Street. Call (504) 525-2021 or visit www.galatoires.com to make reservations or view the entire Galatoire’s menu. Regular dining hours are 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 12 p.m. – 10 p.m. on Sundays.

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About the Galatoire Foundation
The Galatoire Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to giving back to the New Orleans community and region that has patronized Galatoire’s for generations, allowing us to secure generations to come and remain a cornerstone in representing Louisiana and its authentic culture.