EMERIL LAGASSE FOUNDATION HOSTS INAUGURAL LINE, VINE & DINE FISHING TOURNAMENT
The Emeril Lagasse Foundation raised $650,000 for nonprofit organizations during its inaugural Line, Vine & Dine fishing tournament February 9-11 in Fort Lauderdale. Proceeds will support the ARC Broward Culinary Institute and Dan Marino Foundation, both working to improve 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,” Lagasse said. “We are so appreciative of the amazing support from our generous donors, sponsors, chefs and the Fort Lauderdale community that made this weekend possible.”
Yachts international was a media partner for the tournament weekend, which kicked off Thursday with Champagne & Ceviche, a captain’s reception catered by G.H. Mumm and Monty’s Seafood, and sponsored by HMY Yachts and Viking Yachts. On Friday, the twoday sailfish tournament began, with 113 sailfish caught by 17 teams. Guests who were not fishing attended a fashion show and luncheon presented by Neiman Marcus Fort Lauderdale. Friday evening included Tacos & Terroir, a dockside weigh-in celebration sponsored by Jimmy John’s. The evening continued with cuisine by celebrity chef Aarón Sánchez and entertainment by Grammy-nominated artists Locos Por Juana.
The sold-out weekend ended Saturday evening
with a Vine & Dine Seafood Cook-Off sponsored by the Moss Foundation. Lagasse, along with chefs Clay Conley, Angelo Elia, Cindy Hutson, Sean Brasel and Greg McGowan, prepared seafood dishes paired with wine from Napa and Sonoma counties in California. Tournament awards, a silent and live auction, and an intimate performance by Sammy Hagar and surprise guest Kenny Chesney highlighted the evening.
“Line, Vine & Dine is as much a world-class sporting event as it is a culinary event, and we are very pleased with its success in our inaugural year,” said Brian Kish, president of the Emeril Lagasse Foundation. “We are proud to be able to give back to the deserving causes that make such an impact in the community.”