Trumpet and Emeril’s Restaurant remind New Orleans “When you have water, make water-aid”

New Orleans, March 17, 2008: Emeril’s Restaurant and Trumpet join chefs and agencies across the country in support of UNICEF’s Tap Project (www.tapprojectnola.org) – a campaign that, during the week of March 16th, will encourage patrons to donate a minimum of $1 for the tap water they would normally get for free or for bottles of water purchased. All of the proceeds will go to UNICEF’s clean water programs, which aim to improve access to safe water and sanitation facilities in schools and communities, while promoting practices in more than 90 countries around the world.

Last year, over 300 New York City restaurants, along with thousands of their customers and individual contributors helped to make the inaugural Tap Project a huge success. This year the campaign is being launched in twelve additional major markets, including New Orleans. The project is supported in each market by major advertising agencies, each donating their time and resources to create and implement a local campaign. Trumpet was chosen as “agent of record” in New Orleans and jumped at the opportunity to lead the local initiative. “We had to bring this to New Orleans. It is about the world-class culinary community and social advocacy, both of which are central to New Orleans” said Robbie Vitrano of Trumpet. “Water is also a poignant issue for our City. We have an abundance of what will soon become the world’s most precious resource. It is an opportunity to elevate the issue of water management at home and as it impacts the global community. Together with the ability to promote local eateries, it was a no-brainer.”

Once Trumpet was on board, the next step was involving the local chefs and restaurants. The first to sign on was world-renowned Emeril’s Restaurant, who not only committed to participate, but pledged to match 100% of the proceeds raised by Emeril’s Restaurant the week of the event, March 16 – 22. Also joining the cause is famed Chef Paul Prudhomme and his legendary restaurant, K-Paul’s. Chef Paul jumped at the opportunity to participate as well and immediately committed his restaurant.

The involvement quickly became contagious and extended beyond the culinary and advertising realms with in-kind donations and support from CBS Outdoors, Entercom Radio, and Morgan and Company.

The involvement from Trumpet, Emeril’s, and Chef Paul illustrates the local commitment and dedication to drive global awareness to one of the more urgent health crises facing the planet today. It also is a testament to the international support New Orleans received merely two-and-a-half years ago when clean, fresh water was in demand. This is New Orleans’ opportunity to “pay it forward” and utilize the City’s unparalleled cuisine to do so.

Tap Project will take place Sunday, March 16 – Saturday, March 22 (World Water Day). Restaurants will invite patrons to donate a minimum of $1 for the tap water they would normally get for free. All proceeds will support UNICEF’s clean water initiatives in more than 90 countries.

Filed Under: Press Releases