FRIENDS OF FOUR WINDS SUNDAY SOIREE TO "NET" MEDICAL FUNDS
Local chefs and restaurateurs come together for local shrimper

WHAT: Greg & Mary Sonnier will host a fundraiser at their special event venue, The Uptowner, to raise much needed money for medical needs for local shrimp industry icon, Ray Brandhurst.

WHY: Ray Brandhurst is a 7th generation shrimper who lost his home, business, clients and boat (named the Four Winds after his four kids) in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. As a founder of the infamous White Boot Brigade he attracted much national attention and became the face of the Louisiana seafood industry promoting the importance of buying wild-caught Louisiana seafood instead of cheap imports. Ray and his wife Kay, well-known Crescent City Farmer's Market vendor, have worked tirelessly 18 to 20 hours a day, to restore their business, while raising their 4 children. Ray was recently diagnosed with extensive small cell lung cancer, which has spread to the liver and is inoperable. Without adequate health insurance, they are unable to afford the costly treatments needed to restore Ray's health. "Without fishermen like Ray out there, procuring the finest, most unique tasting shrimp in the world, the landscape of the American menu would drastically change," states Sonnier. "Less flavorful, imported shrimp would be used nationwide and Louisiana's wild-harvesting traditions would be lost."

New Orleans finest chefs and restaurateurs including Greg & Mary Sonnier, the John Besh Restaurant Group, the Donald Link Restaurant Group, Aaron Burgau (Patois), Patti Constantin Designs in Catering, Justin Develier (La Petite Grocery), and Chris DeBarr (Green Goddess), Lisa Barbato Crescent City Farmer's Market Pastry Vendor, Dan Stein/ Stein's Deli and Market to name a few, will offer their best dishes for the afternoon fundraiser (beer, wine and soft drinks will be provided). The funds raised will go towards Ray's medical bills not covered by health insurance, which are currently $80,000 and expected to exceed $100,000 over the next few months. The ticket price for the event is $40 and can be purchased at the Crescent City Farmer's Market or at door the afternoon of the event. For more information call Mary at 504.899.6500.

WHEN: Sunday, November 15, 2009
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

WHERE: The Uptowner
438 Henry Clay Avenue
New Orleans, LA
504-899-6500

WHO: New Orleans chefs, restaurateurs and hospitality industry community.

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