Galatoire Foundation Raises Record-Breaking $117,500 for Local Nonprofits

Christmas Table Auction held Tuesday, Nov. 30

NEW ORLEANS – Dec. 1, 2021 – The Galatoire Foundation raised $117,500 at its annual Christmas Auction, held Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021, in the famed Galatoire’s first floor dining room. Recipients chosen to receive the funds are Covenant House New Orleans, Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré and the Galatoire Foundation. Tuesday night’s event included a lively evening of competitive bidding, signature Galatoire’s hors d’oeuvres and complimentary champagne. This was a record-breaking event with winning bids topping $100,000 for the Christmas table auction first time in the event’s history.

“We are overwhelmed with the support and passion of our loyal patrons and delighted to continue the tradition of supporting great non-profits in our community,” said Melvin Rodrigue, Galatoire Foundation president. “During a global pandemic and post-Hurricane Ida recovery, we were able to raise more than $117,000 for two worthy causes. This is truly a testament to the generosity of our beloved Galatoire’s supporters.”

The Galatoire Foundation is dedicated to giving back to the New Orleans community and region that has patronized Galatoire’s for generations. Started in 2006, the Christmas and Mardi Gras table auctions have raised more than $2.5 million for local charities. Since the inception, all proceeds have benefitted more than two dozen New Orleans-area charitable organizations, from neighborhood rebuilding projects and crime prevention to youth programs and entrepreneurship efforts. Each exciting auction allows guests the opportunity to reserve a table on Galatoire’s famed first floor the Fridays before Christmas and Mardi Gras.

“For over 33 years, Covenant House New Orleans has provided complete residential care and wrap-around services for youth under 24 years of age experiencing homelessness in our community,” said Rheneisha Robertson, executive director of Covenant House New Orleans. “Every year, youth walk through our doors seeking the basic needs of food, clothing and safe shelter; what they receive is so much more, including medical and behavioral health care, education and job training, life skills and employment opportunities.  Without the generosity of supporters like the Galatoire Foundation, and those participating in the annual Christmas Auction, we would not be able to comprehensively serve nearly 900 youth annually.”

“Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré has sponsored “Caroling in Jackson Square” since 1946. ‘Caroling’ is free, open to the public and is held the Sunday before Christmas. With the support and generous help of the Galatoire Foundation, this 75-year-old holiday tradition will endure,” said Mary Bartholomew, Ph.D., board secretary of Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré. “An added benefit is streaming of this noteworthy experience to others that may not be able to attend. The Galatoire Foundation’s table auction funds will enable this Yuletide celebration to continue.”

The Foundation’s community involvement extends across south Louisiana, working through Galatoire’s and Galatoire’s “33” Bar & Steak.

The Mardi Gras table auction will take place in early February 2022.

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The Galatoire’s Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to giving back to the New Orleans community and region that has patronized Galatoire’s for generations, allowing us to secure generations to come and remain a cornerstone in representing Louisiana and its authentic culture.

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