EVENT: Biggest Catch in the Big Easy

New Orleans, Louisiana - November 30th 2008

Sunday, November 30, 2008 Captain Keith Colburn appeared at “Biggest Catch in the Big Easy” a benefit for the St. Bernard Project, a community-based rebuilding organization in St. Bernard Parish. The event raised $22,000, enough funds to rebuild two homes devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

(Alex Young, President/CEO United Way of SarasotaCounty), Capt. Keith Colburn, Pam Fortner (Owner of Tropical Isle in New Orleans), Gary Ostroske (President/CEO United Way of Greater New Orleans), Zack Rosenburg (Director of St. Bernard Project), Lucy Nicandri (Marketing Manager/Capt. Keith Colburn), Katie Knight (Sr.Vice President of United Way of Sarasota County)

 

Guests dined on delicious food provided by the House of Blues New Orleans, and listened to the soulful sounds of Walter Woolfman and St. Bernard Parish native Irene Sage. Captain Keith mingled with guests encouraging them to bid on auction items, and regaling them with tales from the seas. Co-founders and directors Zack Rosenburg, and Liz McCartney, who was recently named CNN Hero of the Year, called the event a “success” saying, “this has been a great and exciting opportunity to educate people on the continuing needs in the Parish.”

Live Auction Bidder on Mounted King Crab donated by Deck Boss Gary Soper

 

Since opening in August of 2006, the St. Bernard Project has rebuilt 156 homes in St. Bernard Parish, largely serving elderly, disabled, and families with children in their formative years. The Project breaks ground on a Senior Housing initiative, and its Community Center for Heath and Wellness, in partnership with Louisiana State University in January of 2009. St. Bernard Project also has hopes of expanding their rebuilding services to Gentilly soon. 

Gary Soper and Capt. Keith visit home owners of the first home rebuilt by the St. Bernard Project after Hurricane Katrina

 

The St. Bernard Project would like to thank United Way New Orleans, and Florida United Ways for sponsoring the event, as well as Motiva and Entergy for their Captain Level sponsorships and Patron Tequila for generously providing spirits for the event. Thanks also, to Melinda Douglas for procuring many of the auction items, and Captain Keith for his appearance.

Gary Soper and Capt. Keith visit home owners of the first home rebuilt by the St. Bernard Project after Hurricane Katrina

 

Visit the St. Bernard Project website at www.stbernardproject.org, for more information on how to help the Project through volunteering or donating.