Chi Chi Miguel Throwdown

Chef Emeril Lagasse surprises guests by joining in the cook-off, and Dinner with Morgan Freeman garners Highest Bid of the Night

The 5th Annual Chi Chi Miguel Throwdown weekend raised $250,004 for six local and regional charities. The weekend included a Barbeque Throwdown featuring surprise guest chef Emeril Lagasse, Sip n Shop Afternoon Along 30A, and a Golf Tournament at Kelly Plantation. All weekend events raised funds for the following charities: Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, Emeril Lagasse Foundation, Children in Crisis, Alaqua Animal Shelter, Children’s Volunteer Health Network and the George Rodrigue Foundation for the Arts.

The Throwdown was held at Valerie and Mike Thompson’s home at Burnt Pine and featured 12 live auction lots and raised $236,604. The Thompsons organize the event each year to support area charities.

“Mike and I are overwhelmed by the generosity of our friends who came to our Throwdown. The best part is that our benefitting charities will receive 100 percent of the proceeds from our live auction. These organizations make amazing contributions to our area, and we are thrilled to be able to help them continue their mission,” Valerie Thompson said.

The highest selling lot of the night was the opportunity to enjoy dinner with legendary Academy Award winning actor and narrator Morgan Freeman. His lot raised $50,000 for the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, a majority of the $85,004 raised for the Center.

Emeril Lagasse was on hand as one of the Barbeque Throwdown participants cooking to support his charity, Emeril Lagasse Foundation, and to host and entertain the generous bidders which purchased the Chi Chi Miguel Throwdown auction lot at his annual fundraising event Carnivale du Vin for $40,000.

Lagasse’s seven year old son E.J. took to the microphone like a pro and helped auction off several items, including a trip to the Lagasse foundation’s upcoming 7th annual Carnivale du Vin in New Orleans, which sold for $25,000. Total proceeds raised in the live auction for Emeril Lagasse Foundation was $93,000.

“Destin is an incredible community filled with generous people. I’m so pleased with the results and excited to see the rewarding programs that these contributions will help create on the Gulf Coast,” Lagasse said. “And, I had a great time cooking with my fellow winemakers and friends. The Thompsons are wonderful and generous hosts. Mike Thompson serves on my foundation board and I’m so grateful for their friendship.”

Emeril Lagasse Foundation supports non-profit organizations that provide educational programs, culinary training and cultural enrichment, creating opportunities for children in the communities where Emeril's restaurants operate.

The Kelly Plantation golf tournament and live auction raised $30,000 for Children in Crisis. Another $17,000 was raised for Alaqua Animal Shelter from the Sip n Shop Along 30A. Children’s Volunteer Health Network received $16,500 from the live auction and the George Rodrigue Foundation for the Arts received $8,500.