Emeril Lagasse Foundation Hosts Carnivale du Vin Reimagined

The Emeril Lagasse Foundation held its annual Carnivale du Vin fundraising event virtually this year on Saturday, October 17, raising $1 million for children’s charities. The nationally recognized fundraiser was streamed on YouTube and was viewed by over 300 supporters from across the country.

Carnivale du Vin was established as way to celebrate incredible food, wine, fun and friendships, all in support of our mission to inspire, mentor and enable young people,” said Chef Emeril Lagasse. “Even though we were not able to come together in person this year, my wife Alden and I are so grateful for all the donors, sponsors and supporters who joined our virtual event and helped make it a success.

The event was hosted by Chef Emeril and Foundation President Brian Kish, who were live streamed from Miramar Beach, Florida. The live auction portion of the event was hosted by auctioneer DawnMarie Kotsonis and featured eight live auction lots. Top lots from the live auction included a dinner with Chef Emeril and Danica Patrick. The live program featured video testimonials highlighting personal stories of youth who have been positively impacted by the programs the Foundation has supported throughout the years. A silent auction with over 50 lots featuring luxury goods was open throughout the weekend. The “Inspire, Mentor & Enable” paddle raise closed out the evening, bringing in over $350,000 in support of the Foundation’s mission.

Attendees purchased tickets in advance and were treated to a “Party Package”, which shipped to them prior to the live streamed event.  Each box included wines from renowned winemakers such as AldenAlli Winery, Arista Winery, Au Bon Climat, Bob Cabral Wines, Crocker & Starr, Pride Mountain Vineyards, Ramey Wine Cellars and Thompson 31 Fifty. The boxes featured a variety of gift items sponsored by G.H.Mumm Champagne, Abita, Buffalo Trace, Shipt, Visit South Walton, Wine Spectator Magazine, Keurig Coffee, Marquee Brands, Good Cook and B&G Foods. Edible treats included “Everything but the Cheese” accoutrements from Meril Restaurant, a brownie bark handmade by students at NOCCA and a blackening spice from Liberty’s Kitchen.

Emeril Lagasse Foundation works to help youth reach their full potential, and funds raised from the weekend allow the Foundation to support children’s culinary, nutrition & arts education programs throughout the year.

We are thrilled with the success of our virtual fundraising weekend,” said Emeril Lagasse Foundation president Brian Kish. “Like many other events throughout the country, we had to create new strategies to bring the magic of Carnivale du Vin to our guests at home. We are in awe of the generosity and kindness shown by our donors this weekend. All of those who support our foundation and annual signature fundraising events are helping to create brighter futures for our youth, and we are continuously thankful for the support and all who make our efforts possible.