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.
“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.
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.
