ARNO named as community partner of foundation

May 24, 2010

The owners of Galatoire’s Restaurant announce the creation of the Galatoire’s Foundation, a New Orleans-based non-profit organization dedicated to

benefit local causes and cultural programs.

The Galatoire’s Foundation establishes a framework for the restaurant’s numerous community activities and donations, including the annual Mardi Gras and Holiday table auctions, which have raised more than $500,000 since November 2005.

“Louisianians have embraced Galatoire’s for 105 years. We have carried on many local traditions. Galatoire’s has also launched some new traditions, such as our annual Mardi Gras and Holiday table auctions, which raised more than $100,000 for the Historic New Orleans Collection, New Orleans City Park, and other local non-profit organizations and causes since the new ownership,” said John Georges, Galatoire’s lead investor. “The time is right to formalize our charitable outreach and establish the Galatoire’s Foundation to benefit many of the groups we work with now and create a roadmap for future community partnerships we will take on in the New Orleans area. Our ownership group is making a significant investment to jumpstart the Foundation’s work and to complement the fundraising we have planned for later this year.”

Melvin Rodrigue, chief operating officer of Galatoire’s, will serve as the director of the Galatoire’s Foundation.

Galatoire’s has created community partnerships with Habitat for Humanity’s Musician’s Village, the International Shrine of St. Jude, the Young Leadership Council of New Orleans, Animal Rescue of New Orleans, the Chaine Foundation, St. Augustine Catholic Church, and the Louisiana Children’s Museum. In addition, Galatoire’s participates in local events and fundraisers throughout the year, including the Chef’s Charity benefitting St. Michael’s School in New Orleans.

As part of its initial funding effort, the Foundation is planning a major gift to Dillard University.

The Galatoire’s Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to giving back to the New Orleans community and region that has patronized Galatoire’s for generations, allowing us to secure generations to come and remain a cornerstone in representing Louisiana and its authentic culture.

In 2009, the Galatoire’s family – Leon Galatoire, Michele Galatoire, Duane Galatoire Attaway, Ashley Attaway and Craighten Attaway – partnered with a new investment group, led by John Georges, Todd Trosclair and Bill Kearney, to own and operate Galatoire’s Restaurant in New Orleans and Galatoire’s Bistro in Baton Rouge. Businessmen Boysie Bollinger, Danny Conwill and Terry White are also part of the new ownership group.