NEW ORLEANS – Galatoire Foundation raised more than a quarter of a million dollars at its annual Mardi Gras Table Auction, held Tuesday, Jan. 9, in Galatoire’s historic first floor main dining room. The highest bid of the night was an astounding $34,000 for a 12-person table. Combined with the Christmas Auction held in December, more than $380,000 was raised for this year’s beneficiaries.
New this year, the festivities started with a cocktail hour in Bar 33 followed by an energetic evening filled with lively competitive bidding, complemented by Galatoire’s renowned hors d’oeuvres and premium champagne.
Money raised during the year’s table auctions benefit Galatoire Foundation and 10 other local non-profits — including two table partners, Bayou District Foundation, NAMI New Orleans — and eight micro grant recipients, Electric Girls, Girls on the Run, Historic BK House and Gardens, Hotel Hope, Project Lazarus, Raphael Village, St. Michael Special School and YEAH! YOGA.
“We are continuously blown away by the generosity of our devoted Galatoire’s patrons. It is because of them that we can support so many wonderful and timely organizations in our city,” said Melvin Rodrigue, Galatoire Foundation president. “The fact that we were able to raise over a quarter of a million dollars for the Mardi Gras table auction and more than $380,000 this auction season is truly incredible.”
Galatoire Foundation’s community involvement extends across south Louisiana, working through Galatoire’s, Galatoire’s “33” Bar & Steak and Galerie de Galatoire.
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