Galatoire Foundation set a new fundraising record this year, raising a historic $635,000 through its annual Christmas and Mardi Gras table auction series – marking the first time in the event’s 20-year history that proceeds surpassed the half-million-dollar milestone.
The momentum peaked Monday night at the Mardi Gras table auction, held in Galatoire’s iconic first-floor dining room, where an energized crowd generated $447,300 during an evening of spirited bidding for the highly coveted tables at the legendary Friday-before-Mardi Gras lunch on Feb. 13. The night’s top bid soared to $36,000 for a 12-person table, a striking testament to the enduring demand and passion surrounding this storied tradition.
The record-setting total was bolstered by the Christmas table auction in December, which raised $189,000. Bidders also competed for an intimate in-home dinner for 10 prepared by Galatoire’s Director of Culinary Nicole Theriot, with wine pairings curated by Wine and Beverage Director Sarah Arceneaux, ultimately garnering $24,000 for two in-home experiences.
“The outpouring of generosity we witnessed this year was extraordinary and truly unprecedented,” said Melvin Rodrigue, president of Galatoire Foundation. “Reaching this milestone in our 20th year of table auctions speaks to how deeply this tradition resonates with our patrons. Their enthusiasm has transformed these auctions into a powerful force for good, allowing us to make a meaningful and lasting investment in the organizations that strengthen the New Orleans community.”
Money raised during this year’s auctions benefit Galatoire Foundation and eight other local non-profits – including two table partners: Kid smART and The 18th Ward and six micro grant recipients: Ronald McDonald House of South Louisiana, Café Hope, Youth Empowerment Project, Society of St. Vincent de Paul New Orleans, Court Watch NOLA and Rooted Ones.
Since 2006, Galatoire Foundation has held annual Christmas and Mardi Gras table auctions to leverage the popularity of dining at Galatoire’s on the Fridays before Christmas and Mardi Gras in order to give back to local nonprofit organizations.
To date, the auctions have generated nearly $5 million for various charitable causes in the New Orleans area. This year’s auction series set an all-time record – coming in at over $4,000 per seat – continuing Galatoire Foundation’s tradition of community impact and generosity.
The funds have made a positive impact on numerous initiatives, ranging from neighborhood rebuilding and crime prevention to supporting youth programs and fostering entrepreneurship efforts. Past recipients include STEM NOLA, Volunteers of America of Southeast Louisiana, Bayou District Foundation, NAMI New Orleans, Covenant House, Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré, Kingsley House, Dress for Success, Audubon Nature Institute, Liberty’s Kitchen, The Idea Village, The New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation and more.
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About Galatoire Foundation
Galatoire Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to giving back to the New Orleans community and region that have patronized Galatoire’s for generations, ensuring the restaurant’s enduring legacy as a cornerstone of Louisiana culture and hospitality. Through the support of Galatoire’s, Galatoire’s “33” Bar & Steak and Galerie de Galatoire, the Foundation continues to secure generations to come.
About Galatoire’s Restaurant
A national dining institution for over 120 years, Galatoire’s Restaurant has been honored with the prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant, and most recently with inclusion in The Michelin Guide’s 2025 American South Guide. Galatoire’s has continuously earned the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence and is recognized for its renowned wine list. Galatoire’s is consistently named as one of New Orleans’ Top Restaurants by publications and critics worldwide. Saveur named Galatoire’s Friday Lunch one of its “25 Greatest Meals Ever,” while Bon Appetit magazine has recognized Galatoire’s as one of the nation’s “Top Celebration Restaurants.” For more information, visit www.galatoires.com.