La Capitol Federal Credit Union lent its support to an effort that celebrated Louisiana’s cultural and culinary heritage while also raising money for charities and causes impacting Central Louisiana.
The Louisiana Restaurant Association’s Taste of Mardi Gras, held Friday, February 9, 2024, drew an estimated 2,000 supporters to the Randolph Riverfront Center in Alexandria. “This is a huge event every year but this year is very special because it is our 30th Anniversary,” stated Clayton Smith, Board Member of the Cenla Chapter of the Restaurant Association.
La Capitol was the Patron Sponsor of the effort that shined positive light on Louisiana’s rich culinary roots just days before Mardi Gras 2024. All proceeds will benefit local charities and support the advancement of culinary education in Central Louisiana.
The fundraiser recipients include:
- LRA Education Foundation and Louisiana ProStart, a nationwide, two-year culinary program for high school students that provides real-world educational opportunities and builds career skills.
- Children’s Miracle Network, founded more than 40 years ago, is a collaboration of hospitals that has raised over $8.5 billion for 170 children’s hospitals.
- Manna House Ministries is a food outreach that provides free meals 365 days a year under the direction of the Diocese of Alexandria.
- Children’s Mardi Gras Parade, an effort supporting and showcasing the Alexandria area’s young people, is sponsored by the Alexandria Mardi Gras Association.
- Food Bank of Central Louisiana, established in 1989, provides assistance to residents through a network of approved charitable agencies in eleven parishes: Allen, Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Sabine, Vernon, and Winn.
La Capitol representatives from the Cenla Branches – Alexandria, Pineville, and Natchitoches – served as patron hosts and greeted the raffle winner of a gift package donated by the credit union. The Taste of Mardi Gras is one of many community and outreach efforts championed by La Capitol.