NEW ORLEANS – New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI) announced Cooking for a Cause, presented by Hancock Whitney – a two-week, online auction featuring one-of-a-kind curated experiences culminating with a soirée overlooking the city on Wednesday, Sept. 10, from 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. at NOCHI, 725 Howard Ave.
Organizers share Cooking for a Cause guests will enjoy live music, cocktails and delectable cuisine prepared by NOCHI alumni chefs. In addition, Susan Spicer and Denise & Bill Hoffman will be honored for their commitment to hospitality, both to the community and the continued legacy of New Orleans’ culinary tradition.
Tickets for the Cooking for a Cause main event (6:30 p.m.) are $125 per person. Patron party ticket packages are also available. Proceeds from the event and auction benefit NOCHI’s signature six-month Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts certificate programs for students seeking a formal culinary education and career in the hospitality industry.
All proceeds benefit NOCHI’s Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts certificate programs and our ever-evolving culinary and hospitality industry. Thanks to a generous matching gift from the Goldring Family Foundation, support will go even further to support NOCHI’s mission. Every contribution is matched dollar for dollar, and gifts from the hospitality industry are matched 2 to 1, creating triple the impact and opportunity for the next generation of culinary professionals in New Orleans.
“Cooking for a Cause is a celebration of the future of hospitality and the incredible culinary talent rooted in New Orleans,” said Gerald Duhon, executive director of NOCHI. “This event, and the generous support behind it, helps us fulfill our mission of training the next generation of industry professionals. We’re especially grateful to Hancock Whitney for returning as our presenting sponsor, and to the many chefs, partners, and supporters who share their creativity and commitment to our students.”
The online auction features dozens of priceless, one-of-a-kind experiences, including private cooking and mixology classes, dinner parties, overnight getaways, and much more, all hosted by favorite names in hospitality, including Mason Hereford and Dickie Brennan, Cure’s Neal Bodenheimer, Nina Compton of Compere Lapin, and many others!
Cooking for a Cause auction items are available for preview now, and new experiences will be added until bidding officially opens on Wednesday, Aug. 27. Among the exclusive auction experiences, bidders will find:
Private Friday Afternoon Party for 20 at Jewel of the South
Host an unforgettable gathering with a private Friday afternoon party for 20 guests at the acclaimed Jewel of the South. Enjoy exclusive access to this award-winning French Quarter gem. featuring expertly crafted cocktails and a delicious selection of chef-curated canapés.
Whiskey Grid Tasting for 10 at The Sazerac House
Treat yourself and 9 guests to an exclusive Private Whiskey Grid Tasting at The Sazerac House, one of New Orleans’ most iconic destinations for spirits and history. This immersive experience invites your group to explore the rich world of whiskey through a guided tasting of diverse styles and flavor profiles, expertly curated by The Sazerac House team.
Curated Dining Experience for Four at Saint John
Enjoy an unforgettable evening and dining experience at Chef Eric Cook’s Saint John. You and 3 guests will be welcomed into Chef Cook’s world for a personalized dining experience that goes far beyond a typical restaurant visit. As the evening unfolds, Chef Cook himself will guide you through a curated four-course meal, sharing the inspiration behind his creations.
Dinner and Showtunes with Chef Kent LeVan: A Five-Course Musical Feast for 10
Get ready for a night of culinary creativity and Broadway flair with Dinner and Showtunes hosted by the incomparable Chef Kent LeVan, NOCHI’s Director of Education and a former Broadway performer. You and 9 guests will enjoy a five-course dinner inspired by your favorite showtunes. You can pick your favorite show, five of your favorites from across any performance or let Chef Kent make the choice and he will craft a menu that brings each melody to life on the plate.
View all Cooking for a Cause auction experiences and items online at www.nochicfac.org.
“Hospitality is a cornerstone of New Orleans’ identity and a vital driver of our regional economy,” said Liz Hefler, Greater New Orleans regional president of Hancock Whitney Bank. “Hancock Whitney is honored to support NOCHI and its students, and to be part of an evening that celebrates the spirit, flavor, and creativity that make our city so special.”
Visit www.nochicfac.org to view the auction, place bids, and purchase tickets to attend the Cooking for a Cause soirée, Wednesday, Sept. 10.