A Cause for Celebration

Over 250 guests attended this year’s “Le Gala de la Bonne Vie” benefiting the National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana (NKFL) held in early June. Chef René Bajeaux of René Bistro served as honorary chef chair of the grand culinary tour.

The event honored Associate Professor of Medicine at Tulane University Medical School Dr. Eric E. Simon, who was awarded the Julia Figueroa Award for his long-standing participation and service to the NKFL. Dr. Simon is the program director for the Tulane Nephrology program, a photographer and author.

The event featured many of the city’s finest chefs, including chef Matt Murphy of The Irish House, chef Jean Luc Albin of Maurice French Pastries, Patrick Van Hoorebeek of Patrick’s Bar Vin and chef Dustin Brien of Salú.

Auction items of note included a beach villa holiday in Ildir, Turkey, a private five-course dinner by chef Bajeux for 10 and a four-course meal with wine pairings by 5 Fifty 5 chef Thorsten Leighty.
Entertainment was provided by Batiste Cultural Arts Academy Marching Band and New Orleans songbird Robin Barnes.

Over $35,000 was raised to benefit the ongoing efforts of the NKFL. Kidney disease is the eighth leading cause of death in the United States, and NKFL promotes early detection through free screenings and emergency support for patients on dialysis throughout the Greater New Orleans community.


Event at a Glance

What: “Le Gala de la Bonne Vie,” benefiting the National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana
When: Sunday, June 9
Where: New Orleans Marriott Convention Center

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