Donor Involvement Opportunities
About us
Founded in 2002 by Chef Emeril Lagasse and his wife Alden, Emeril Lagasse Foundation is a 501c(3) public charity headquartered in New Orleans. The Foundation’s mission is to create opportunities to inspire, mentor and enable youth to reach their full potential. Since its inception, Emeril Lagasse Foundation has granted more than $20 million to children’s charities to support culinary, nutrition, and arts programs.
Our Programs
Community Grants
The Community Grants Program supports nonprofits nationwide that offer culinary, nutrition, and arts education, focusing on life skills, mentorship, and basic needs to empower youth.
Signature Program
Emeril’s Culinary Garden &Teaching Kitchen is a national education initiative created to enrich the lives of elementary and middle school children through a fun, fresh perspective on food.
Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund
The Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund provides culinary arts education and human services programming for Latino youth.
Our Impact in Napa & Sonoma Counties
As part of our Community Grants program, the Emeril Lagasse Foundation Emergency Assistance Fund was created. In 2017 – 2018, $500,000 was granted to Napa and Sonoma Counties to provide aid to individuals impacted by the Northern California wildfires.
$250,000 was awarded to the Community Foundation of Sonoma County
$250,000 was awarded to the Napa Valley Community Foundation
Event Overview
Carnivale du Vin
A New Orleans weekend filled with stellar food, wine and revelry in downtown New Orleans, LA.
Weekend events include a multicourse wine dinner at Meril, Beneficiary Luncheon, Late Night at Studio 34, and Carnivale du Vin wine gala and auction. This weekend ranks as a “Top 10 Charity Wine Auction” in Wine Spectator.
Annually Raises $3M+
November
Carnivale du Vin Events and Opportunities
- Grand Marshal Patron Dinner
On Thursday, 160 food and wine lovers are seated at Meril Restaurant. Together, they experience an intimate multi course wine tasting menu. Guest vintners are seated among the loyal foundation supporters. - Beneficiary Luncheon
Meet the students who your generosity benefits while enjoying a student-prepared buffet lunch along with wine tasting from Emeril Lagasse Foundation Board of Directors and Advisory Council vintners. - Late Night at Studio 34
Enjoy libations and light bites with a Portuguese and Spanish flair. This after dinner hot-spot will include tapas, pintxos, cocktails, and jamónat the Lagasse family’s newest Restaurant 34. Be sure to pack your best dress for the discoteca! - Carnivale du Vin Reception
On Saturday, at the Fillmore New Orleans, start with tastings from acclaimed visiting chefs and wines from renowned vintners. - Carnivale du Vin Gala Dinner
Andrew Zimmern, emcee, will guide us through the 4-course seated wine pairings dinner by the NOCCA Culinary Arts students and Emeril’s culinary team.
Opportunities
Live and Silent Auction Donation: Traditional donations include a selection of large format bottles, a vertical collection, dining and/or an overnight experience at your vineyard. Average value ranges $700 – $1,000.
Pouring Option 1: Pair one varietal/vintage with a dish at the Carnivale du Vin Gala Dinner for 400 guests | 8 case request
Pouring Option 2: Pair one varietal/vintage with a dish at the Grand Marshal Patron Dinner on Thursday and share a selection of your wines during the Carnivale du Vin Reception on Saturday for 400 guests | 8 case request, (5 Thursday & 3 Saturday)
Line, Vine & Dine
Invitation only, four-day fishing and culinary event weekend hosted in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
More than a fishing tournament, this stellar weekend lineup includes a Welcome Celebration, Land Lovers’ Lounge Day and Dockside Weigh-In & Yacht Hop. It caps off with the Vine & Dine celebration and fundraising evening.
Annually raises $1M+
February
*We will be skipping Line, Vine & Dine 2025 but will resume in 2026.
Line, Vine & Dine Events and Opportunities
- Welcome Celebration
Thursday guests are treated to sips and bites at The Ritz-Carlton Ft. Lauderdale Poolside Terrace. - Land Lovers’ Lounge Day
While the boats are away, land lovers are invited to lounge by the beautiful pool with a glass of wine. - Dockside Weigh-In & Yacht Hop
On Friday, as the anglers return, guests stroll along the Pier 66 Marina slips and visit participating yachts featuring celebrated vintners and tastes from our beneficiaries. - Vine & Dine Celebration
On Saturday, Chef Emeril and friends inspire this evening of culinary delights as vintners pour special selections. Bid on the live and silent auctions featuring rare wines, luxury goods, lifestyle travel experiences and vintner dinners.
Opportunities
Live and Silent Auction Donation: Traditional donations include a selection of large format bottles, a vertical collection, dining and/or an overnight experience at your vineyard. Average value ranges $700 – $1,000.
Pouring Option: Pour at Dockside Weigh-In and at Vine & Dine | 4 case request (2 Friday and 2 Saturday)
Throwdown Weekend
What started as a backyard BBQ competition between vintners and Chef Emeril has turned into a Miramar Beach, FL, weekend of celebration.
The weekend includes a multicourse wine dinner at Emeril’s Coastal, Golf Tournament at Burnt Pine Golf Club and BBQ Throwdown and fundraising evening.
Annually raises $1M+
April
Throwdown Weekend Events and Opportunities
- Wine Dinner
On Thursday, a multicourse menu prepared by Chef Emeril Lagasse and his culinary team. Vintners will pour specially curated wines that pair exquisitely. - Golf Tournament
On Friday at the 19th Hole Luncheon, golfers are welcome to a surf and turf lunch with wine selections from the wine bar at Burnt Pine Clubhouse. - Private Vintner Reception
On Friday at founder’s Mike & Val Thompson’s home, vintners and top sponsors gather for a celebratory evening with wines and a Cajun seafood boil. - Throwdown BBQ
On Saturday, join a competition cooking team to “throwdown” the best ribs. Guests are treated to food and wine tastings. Wine will be poured at team tent and wine bar.
Opportunities
Live and Silent Auction Donation: Traditional donations include a selection of large format bottles, a vertical collection, dining and/or an overnight experience at your vineyard. Average value ranges $700 – $1,000.
Pouring Option 1: Pour at the Wine Dinner and the Throwdown BBQ | 5 case request
Pouring Option 2: Pour at the Throwdown BBQ | 3 case request
Requirement that all vintners share 6 bottles of wine at the Golf Tournament and 6 bottles of wine at the Vintner Reception, 1 case requirement
Our Event Audience
As they compare to other nonprofit supporters, our guests are more likely to:
Have twice the net worth
Majority of our donors have a net worth over $1M
Influencers
37x more influential on social channels and in their communities
Ownership & Management
Work in a management position (1.9x) or an ownership position (1.5x)
Exhibit purchasing behavior towards:
Men's & Women's Fashion, Home & Garden, Travel, Premium Food & Beverage Brands, Outdoor Sports, Health & Wellness
Our Guests
- 64% married
- 1/3 married with children
- 55% female
- 60% over the age of 45
- 1/3 of constituent’s children are teens or older
- Nationwide constituents
- 67% have an affinity for premium brands
Brand Exposure
Vintners are highlighted on signage, social media, eblasts, auction catalog and online bidding page.
Post-event media outlets include Wine Spectator, People, New York Post, Los Angeles Times, Fox News, Food & Wine, Times-Picayune, Forbes, and Esquire.
Our Past Participants
Acclaimed Chefs
Lydia Bastianich – Michelle Bernstein – Daniel Boulud – David Burke – Michael Chiarello – Roy Choi – Sam Choy -Ashley Christensen – Scott Conant – Ken Frank – Thomas Keller – Gale Gand – Duff Goldman – Kristen Kish – Donald Link – Beau MacMillan – Sarah Grueneberg – Michael Mina – Rick Moonen – Charlie Palmer – Wolfgang Puck – Jim Richard – Eric Ripert – Nancy Silverton – Susan Spicer – Jacques Torres – Rick Tramonto – Charlie Trotter, late – AarónSánchez – Ming Tsai – Dustin Valette – Norman Van Aken – Alice Waters
Over 80 past chefs have won numerous James Beard Awards and countless nominations, regularly appear on national television networks and operate and helm some of the most successful restaurants in the nation.
Exquisite Wineries
ADAMVS – Arista Winery – Au Bon Climat – Cakebread Cellars – Castello Banfi – Caymus Vineyards – Crocker & Starr – David Arthur – Domaine Serene Winery – Far Niente – Ferrari-Carano – Fleury Estate Winery – Frias Family Vineyard – Gamble Family Wines – Gemstone Vineyard – Jackson Family Vineyards – Hirsch Vineyards and Winery – Limerick Lane Cellars – Mondavi – Merry Edwards Winery – Patz & Hall – Pride Mountain Vineyards – Paul Hobbs Winery – Ramey Wine Cellars – Riverain – Roy Estate – Schrader Cellars -Silver Oak – Spottswoode Estate – Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars – Three Sticks – Williams Selyem
Auction
Unforgettable Wine & Lifestyle Experiences
Fundraising is a crucial part of the Foundation’s efforts and essential to achieving its mission. Funding for the Foundation’s programs is provided through donations and annual fundraising events. We invite you to honor these special occasions by donating one or more of the following:
- Magnum
- Experience package
- Selection of large format bottles
- Vertical Collection
- Dining and/or an overnight experience
Please know that by committing to the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, you are joining our philanthropic efforts to create opportunity for the young people who need it most. Your participation can make a difference and enhance the lives of youth.
Thank you for your consideration.
