Galatoire’s Auction Raises Nearly $60,000 in Less Than an Hour

All Proceeds Benefit the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (LA/SPCA) and Citizens’ Organization for Police Support in the 8th District (COPS 8)

NEW ORLEANS—January 16, 2008 –Galatoire’s Restaurant raised a total of $58,000 on Monday evening January 14 when patrons bid on coveted seats for the Friday lunch before Mardi Gras. All proceeds from the auction benefit the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (LA/SPCA) and the Citizens’ Organization for Police Support in the 8th District (COPS 8). Since 2006, Galatoire’s has auctioned off seats for the Friday lunch before Christmas and Mardi Gras. The auctions have raised over $350,000 for local charities.

“Dining at Galatoire’s the Friday before Mardi Gras has been a New Orleans tradition for over 100 years,” said Galatoire’s COO Melvin Rodrigue. “We are proud that our tradition can give back to the dedicated police officers of the 8th District and the LA/SPCA.”

The donation will be used by the COPS 8 foundation to purchase two Polaris Ranger utility vehicles used to patrol some of New Orleans' most historic neighborhoods, including the French Quarter, the Marigny Triangle and the Central Business District. Donations from the auction will also support the $10,000 monthly cost to maintain the LA/SPCA’s spay and neutering program.

“We could not make it without COPS 8,” said Lt. Eddie Selby of the 8th Police District. “We are very thankful to be a part of Galatoire’s auction tonight which will allow us to purchase new specialty vehicles to patrol the 8th District.”

“The LA/SPCA needs this donation to carry on our mission and we are very thankful to Galatoire’s for allowing us to be a part of this tradition,” said LA/SPCA Board President Virginia Lovell.

Before the auction began, guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres by Chef Brian Landry and complimentary champagne sponsored by Veuve Clicquot-Ponsardin. The bidding began at 6:30 PM, led by professional auctioneer Ruthie Winston of the New Orleans Auction Galleries.

The bidding began at $100 per seat and 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 February 1. The table will be offered to general patrons on a “first come, first served” basis when the patron who purchased the table has departed the restaurant with their guests.

Please visit www.galatoires.com to learn more about
the grand dame of New Orleans' old-line restaurants, Galatoire's .