Louisiana Children's Museum Hosts 14th Annual Chairish the Children

Classic Carnival Theme will create the Greatest Show in NOLA

New Orleans, La. (July 25, 2012) - For more than 25 years, parents have enjoyed taking their children to the Louisiana Children's Museum, and on Saturday, August 25, the Museum will open its big blue doors to adults for CHAIRish the Children, presented by Capital One Bank. The event will take place at 8 p.m. inside the Museum where guests can enjoy the nostalgia of being kids again in a grown-up setting. A patron party will precede the event at 7 p.m.

The main attraction of this festive fundraiser, and from which the event earned its name, is the grand display of one-of-a-kind, hand-painted chairs from artists and organizations around the city, including Chet Pourciau Design, Lizano's Glass Haus, Matthew Holdren Woodworking, Karoline Schleh, Stephanie Osborne, and many more. The beautifully designed chairs, as well as artwork, jewelry, travel packages and other exciting items, will be available for purchase during the event through live and silent auctions.

In addition to the auction, guests can enjoy delicious food and beverages, live entertainment and all of the Museum's whimsical exhibits during the event. More than 20 gourmet restaurants, including Galatoire's, Ralph's on the Park, Acme Oyster House, Creole Creamery and Louisiana Sisters, will provide delicious samplings of their cuisines and premium cocktails for attendees to indulge. Refreshments will be provided by Republic National Distributing Company and Cordina Frozen Beverages.

Guests in attendance at the patron party will have the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive, patron-only silent auction, cuisine by Chef David Slater of Emeril's, and signature cocktails provided by Cupcake Vodka.

"CHAIRish the Children is the primary opportunity for adults to enjoy our dynamic play-space, while giving back to an institution that continues to offer them a place to learn, play and make memories together as a family. It is through fundraising events such as this that we can ensure the Louisiana Children's Museum will be stronger for future generations," said Julia Bland, executive director of the Louisiana Children's Museum.

In addition to bidding on the many auction items, guests can purchase a raffle ticket for $5 for the chance to win a $1,500 Lee Michaels shopping spree. With the purchase of four raffle tickets for $20, guests receive a blinking champagne glass to commemorate the event.

This year's CHAIRish the Children event is chaired by Maria Huete and Gina McMahon and sponsored by Capital One Bank. Other sponsors include: J. Edgar Monroe Foundation, Chevron, Schlumberger, Southern Recycling, Dardis Couvillon and Associates, Daughters of Charity, Deutsch, Kerrigan & Stiles, Harrah's Casino New Orleans, Pediatric Dentist Dr. Jason Parker, Toler Foundation, and Lee Michael's Fine Jewelry. WWL TV, Nola.com, and St. Charles Avenue Magazine are this year's generous media sponsors. All event proceeds benefit the educational programming and exhibits at the Louisiana Children's Museum, where families connect through play.

Individual tickets to CHAIRish the Children are available for $50 for Museum members and $75 for non-members. Patron party tickets start at $150 each. For tickets, more information, or to become a sponsor, please visit www.lcm.org or call 504-266-2415.

Since 1986, the Louisiana Children's Museum has engaged children and families in memorable, interactive experiences that make growing and learning fun. It also goes beyond its walls to deliver creative, educational resources that impact the greater New Orleans community. The Museum is located at 420 Julia Street in New Orleans' warehouse district between Magazine and Tchoupitoulas Streets. Summer hours run through August 31: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays. General admission is $8.00 for adults and children one year of age and older. Museum members are admitted free. Visit www.lcm.org to learn more about the Louisiana Children's Museum or call 504-523-1357.