Louisiana Hospitality Foundation Honors Industry Leaders at Gala


NEW ORLEANS, La. (August 23, 2017) - The Louisiana Hospitality Foundation recently held the 6th annual Gold Medal Chefs Gala, which was on Thursday, August 17, 2017 at the La Nouvelle Orleans Ballroom inside the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The gala hosted over 500 guests who enjoyed an evening of culinary delight featuring a five-course dinner, silent and live auctions, and an industry awards presentation.

This year's award honorees included a reputable slate of hospitality industry leaders who have made a significant impact in the lives of others:

President's Outstanding Volunteer Award
Mark Heller, UBS Financial Services and Fore!Kids Foundation

Drago Cvitanovich Award for Outstanding Philanthropy by an Entrepreneur
Mickey Parenton, Pinnacle Entertainment

Jamie Shannon Outstanding Chef Award
Brian Landry, Borgne

Bryan Klotz Award for Outstanding Philanthropy by a Supplier
Nick Hazard, Crescent Crown Distributing

Archie Casbarian Humanitarian of the Year Award
David Emond, Liberty's Kitchen

Special Hospitality Industry Award
Robert Johnson, Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

In addition to the awards, the gala highlighted five notable Louisiana chefs who presented a gold medal meal for a gold medal cause. The 2017 Gold Medal Chefs included:

• Michelle McRaney, Executive Chef at Mr. B's Bistro
• Wilfredo Avelar, Chef de Cuisine at Meril
• Brandon Foret, Executive Chef at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
• Brian Landry, Executive Chef at Borgne
• Karen Anderson, Pastry Chef at Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse

Sponsors for the 6th annual Gold Medal Chefs Gala included Centerplate, the Ernst N. Morial Convention Center, Jackson Family Wines, Capitol City Produce, Coca-Cola, Crescent Crown Distributing, Southern Eagle Sales & Service, Republic National Distributing Corp., Southern Glazer's, NATCO Food Service, Cajun Caviar, Leidenheimer Bread, the Black Tie Auctioneer, Thompson Auction Services, New Orleans Magazine, and Southwest Airlines.

Founded in 2012, the Gold Medal Chefs Gala is an annual fundraiser produced by the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation featuring a five-course seated dinner and wine with dishes prepared by Louisiana celebrity chefs, as well as an awards ceremony to honor those in the hospitality industry of Louisiana who make a significant impact in the lives of others. Guests purchase either tables or tickets, enjoy an open bar cocktail hour with silent auction upon arrival, and also participate in exciting live auctions throughout the evening.

For more information about the event and the foundation, visit www.louisianahospitalityfoundation.org.

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CONTACT:
Jennifer Kelley
504.913.5980 c 
jen@louisianahospitality.org