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Alyssa Braden
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NEW ORLEANS - The Emeril Lagasse Foundation celebrated its 12th annual fundraising weekend on November 4 and 5 in New Orleans, raising over $3 million for children's charities.

Champions Square played host again to the Foundation's signature outdoor food and music festival Boudin, Bourbon & Beer, where some of the region's best chefs came together for an evening of Louisiana-inspired culinary celebration. The following night, the Foundation hosted the 12th annual Carnivale du Vin, its nationally recognized wine auction and gala dinner held at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans.

"My wife Alden and I are thrilled with the success of this year's fundraising weekend," says Chef Emeril Lagasse. "We'd like to thank our generous donors, sponsors, participating chefs and New Orleans community for the continued support of these annual events, which are instrumental in making the Foundation's charitable efforts possible."

Nearly 5,000 people attended Boudin, Bourbon & Beer 2016 and enjoyed craft brews from Abita Beer, bourbon cocktails from Buffalo Trace, musical entertainment from top artists and samplings of boudin-inspired dishes from over 60 award-winning chefs.

Carnivale du Vin featured culinary greats Danny Bowien, Sarah Grueneberg, Frank Stitt and Jacques Torres and brought together the best in wine and food for a night of charitable giving. Over 600 guests experienced a five-course meal created by Emeril Lagasse and NOCCA culinary students.

In addition, the Foundation announced it will grant more than $320,000 to eight organizations to support culinary and arts education programs, as well as youth literacy, enrichment and outreach initiatives. The fall grant distribution marks $1 million given to children's charities in 2016 alone.

The grantees include Belle Chase Academy, Common Threads, Covenant House, NOCCA, St. Michael Special School, Youth Empowerment Project, Kids in Need During Disasters and Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Alliance.

"We're excited to announce the recipients of the Foundation's fall grants and are incredibly thankful for our dedicated board, donors and community partners whose support allows us to give back to kids in this community and beyond," says Emeril Lagasse Foundation President Brian Kish.

About Emeril Lagasse Foundation:
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 through culinary, nutrition and arts education. Since its inception, Emeril Lagasse Foundation has granted more than $7.5 million to children's charities to support culinary, nutrition and arts programs. To learn more about the Foundation and its beneficiaries, visit Emeril.org, or follow on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

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