After Hurricane Katrina, a new tradition was born. Spared any major damage in the storm, Galatoire’s took the opportunity to harness the enthusiasm generated by these holiday lunches in an effort to give back to the New Orleans community. During Mardi Gras of 2006, “the line” was replaced with a gavel and paddle, and the tableaux of blanketed proxies in lawn chairs were replaced by two annual charitable table auctions.

2008 – 2009 AUCTIONS:

Our 2008-2009 holiday auctions raised more than $100,000 for local charities as patrons bid on coveted tables for the Friday before Christmas and the Friday before Mardi Gras, two of the busiest days of the year. Funds raised during our 2008 Christmas auction went to benefit WRBH 88.3 FM, Radio for the Blind and Print Handicapped and The Southern Food & Beverage Museum. The International Shrine of St. Jude and Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO) were the recipients of the money raised during this year’s Mardi Gras auction. These were the sixth and seventh charity auctions the restaurant has hosted since Hurricane Katrina, raising a total of nearly $475,000 for a variety of New Orleans’ charities.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Monday, December 7, 2009 – Holiday Auction
Monday, January 25, 2010 – Mardi Gras Auction

2009 Holiday Auction:

The Chaîne Foundation and St. Augustine Catholic Church have been chosen as beneficiaries for the 2009 Holiday Table Auction. As Galatoire’s prepares to celebrate its 105th anniversary next year, the selection of St. Augustine Church gives the restaurant an opportunity to support a New Orleans institution that also has a storied history over 100 years old. As the oldest African-American church in the country, St. Augustine Catholic Church was dedicated in 1842 and is located in the Treme neighborhood of New Orleans.

The Chaîne Foundation was established in 1993 and seeks to support culinary education programs by providing scholarships for young, aspiring chefs. The Foundation contributes over $250,000 annually to culinary schools such as Johnson & Wales and the Culinary Institute of America.

2010 Mardi Gras Auction:

The Historic New Orleans Collection and New Orleans City Park have been selected as beneficiaries for the 2010 Mardi Gras table auction.

The Historic New Orleans Collection is a museum, research center, and publisher dedicated to the study and preservation of the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South region.

City Park is a not-for-profit organization that receives minimal public operating funds to maintain its 1,300 acres. The ability to care for the park’s trees, gardens, playgrounds, nature trails, golf courses, tennis courts, fountains and pavilions comes from the involvement and support of the New Orleans community.

Pre-Registration

Pre-registration for the auctions is required. Numbered auction paddles will be presented in advance to the first 150 persons who register for the event. Due to limited space on the night of the auction, only those with a paddle and one guest will be admitted. To reserve a paddle, contact Christi Gaudet by calling 504-525-2021 or email cgaudet@galatoires.com.

Tables purchased on the night of the auctions are non-transferable. The purchasing patron and his/her guests may occupy the table for as long as they wish, with seating beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, December 18, 2009 for tables purchased at the Holiday Auction and Friday, February 12, 2010 for tables purchased during the Mardi Gras Auction. We ask all those who successfully purchase tables for the day, to please arrive by noon. The purchase price will guarantee only the table; all other costs (food, drink, and gratuity) will be additional. All donations will be fully tax-deductible and patrons will be presented with documentation from each charity.