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Emeril Lagasse Foundation Raises $650,000 in Charity Tournament

First annual event featured a premiere fishing tournament and celebrity seafood cook-off

Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse’s foundation raised $650,000 for non-profit organizations during the Line, Vine & Dine tournament, held February 9 to 11, 2017, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Proceeds from the event benefited the Emeril Lagasse Foundation in support of local charities ARC Broward Culinary Institute and the Dan Marino Foundation, both of which are dedicated to improving the lives of people with developmental disorders and other life challenges.

2017 Emeril Lagasse Foundation Line, Vine and Dine Tournament
Lagasse’s Aldente team had a great time in the first annual tournament. Courtesy Emeril Lagasse Foundation

“My wife Alden and I are thrilled with the success of our first charity fishing tournament,” says Lagasse. “We are so appreciative of the amazing support from our generous donors, sponsors, chefs and the Fort Lauderdale community that made this weekend possible.”

The two-day charity sailfish tournament resulted in a total of 113 sailfish released by 17 teams. The weekend came to a close on Saturday evening with the Vine & Dine Seafood Cook-Off. Chefs Emeril Lagasse, Clay Conley, Angelo Elia, Cindy Hutson, Sean Brasel and Greg McGowan prepared a variety of seafood dishes paired with wine from some of Napa Valley and Sonoma’s best winemakers. Tournament awards, a silent and live auction, and intimate performances by Sammy Hagar and surprise guest Kenny Chesney highlighted the evening.

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2017 Emeril Lagasse Foundation Line, Vine and Dine Tournament
A boat heads to sea for the start of the event. Courtesy Emeril Lagasse Foundation

Founded in 2002 by chef Emeril Lagasse and his wife Alden, the Emeril Lagasse Foundation is a 501c(3) public charity headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana. Since its inception, the Emeril Lagasse Foundation has granted more than $7 million to several children’s charities to support culinary, nutrition and arts programs.

2017 Emeril Lagasse Foundation Line, Vine and Dine Tournament
Chef Cindy Hutson’s pan-seared cobia was a hit with the Line, Vine and Dine crowd. Courtesy Emeril Lagasse Foundation
2017 Emeril Lagasse Foundation Line, Vine and Dine Tournament
The chefs hard at work. Courtesy Emeril Lagasse Foundation
2017 Emeril Lagasse Foundation Line, Vine and Dine Tournament
A happy bunch of anglers with a nice king mackerel that was headed for the table. Courtesy Emeril Lagasse Foundation
2017 Emeril Lagasse Foundation Line, Vine and Dine Tournament
Participants enjoyed a fashion show as part of the festivities. Courtesy Emeril Lagasse Foundation
ceviche tasting
Ceviche tasting for the crowd. Courtesy Steve Freeman
champagne tasting
What goes better with seafood than a cold glass of champagne? Courtesy Steve Freeman
chef in action
One of the chefs in action. Courtesy Steve Freeman
kenny chesney and sammy hagar
Kenny Chesney and Sammy Hagar played an intimate set. Courtesy Steve Freeman
seafood dishes
Just one of the many fantastic seafood dishes prepared by the expert team of chefs. Courtesy Steve Freeman
3 Amigos winning team
The III Amigos team won the tournament and had a great time along the way. Courtesy Steve Freeman
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