Proceeds from the Premier Gala and Wine Auction to Benefit Children’s Charities in the Gulf Coast Region

NEW ORLEANS (October 13, 2008) – New Orleans will become the center of the culinary universe as the Emeril Lagasse Foundation celebrates its 4th Annual Carnivale du Vin, which culminates on Saturday, November 15 with a star-studded gala and premier wine auction at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel.

The gala, which has raised nearly $6 million since its inception and is ranked by Wine Spectator as a “Top Ten U.S. Charity Wine Auction,” will benefit the Emeril Lagasse Foundation. Event proceeds allow the Foundation to provide funding for educational programs, life skills development, culinary training, cultural enrichment, and to continue to play a major role in the revitalization of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region.

The theme for this year’s Carnivale du Vin is “Come Grow with Us,” in recognition of the Emeril Lagasse Foundation’s ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life for the youth of the Gulf Coast region by growing its philanthropic footprint with large strategic partnerships like building the outdoor classroom at the Edible Schoolyard, developing a 4-year culinary arts curriculum at NOCCA, building a learning center at Café Reconcile, and the recent completion of the life skills kitchen at St. Michael’s Special School.

The world-renowned chefs and vintners, or “Krewe du Vin,” who will be showcasing their delectable cuisine and exquisite wines are: Emeril Lagasse, Thomas Keller, Mario Batali, Michael Mina, Gale Gand, Gemstone Vineyard, Au Bon Climat, Bonny Doon Vineyard, Broadbent Selections, Caymus Vineyard, Ferrari-Carano, Kosta Browne Winery, Rubicon Estate and Williams Selyem.

The Carnivale du Vin weekend kicks off Friday evening, November 14, with leading sponsors and Krewe du Vin gathering for an exciting welcome reception featuring the city’s extraordinary culinary and musical talents, including Paul Prudhomme, Susan Spicer, Donald Link and Tory McPhail.  Saturday evening, November 15, brings the five-course “Krewe du Vin” dinner featuring spectacular food and wine pairings, the spirited “Seeds of Love” wine and lifestyle auction and featured entertainment by The Red Rocker Sammy Hagar and the Wabos.

In addition to the “Seeds of Love” auction, Emeril will emcee a designated “fund a need” auction lot to benefit the Edible Schoolyard’s new kitchen and cafeteria project.  On hand to help support this effort will be honored guest and Edible Schoolyard founder Chef Alice Waters. 

Since the first Carnivale du Vin in 2005, the Foundation has distributed over $2.3 million in grants to children’s organizations in the New Orleans and Gulf Coast region.  Thanks to the generosity of event sponsors, loyal local supporters, and over 300 out-of-town guests, the Foundation will continue to support 501(c) 3 nonprofit organizations that are instrumental in providing culinary educational outreach to children in the New Orleans region.

“I am happy to bring together my dearest friends from all over the country to experience what our great city has to offer,” says Emeril Lagasse. “It means so much to the vitality of New Orleans when we have celebrations of this kind. The renaissance of the city’s food culture and the continued investment in arts and education programs for young people is an evolving effort which I am proud to support.”

For more information on Carnivale du Vin or to purchase tickets, please visit www.carnivaleduvin.com or call 504.212.2222.

Filed Under: Emeril Lagasse Foundation, Press Releases