MARTINIS 2019: MIXOLOGY FOR A GREAT CAUSE
Aug 16, 2019 09:14AM ● By Scott Brazda
“So, Martinis is a fundraiser for Healing House, and it helps us raise over half of our operating budget,” explains Kim Thackston, Development Director for Healing House: Hope for Grieving Children.
The official name is “Lafayette’s Absolut Best Martinis 2019”, and the good news for you folks sitting on the fence or simply looking for something to do this Saturday (August 17th) is that individual tickets are still available for this signature event. “Not just an ‘event’,” laughs Thackston, “but rather, the ultimate martinis event.”
It’s been an eight-week marathon of martini-tasting and meals for Healing House and its supporters. Since June, staff at eight local restaurants have put their collective heads together, and concocted a special martini, one to call its very own. “It’s up to their creativity, whatever they want to do. The only requirement is that they use Absolut Vodka.” A different restaurant grabs the spotlight on these ‘Tini Tuesdays’, and then “…patrons went to these restaurants and voted for their favorite martinis,” says Thackston. And with this being Louisiana, a state of somewhat questionable political lore, “… restaurant guests have been able to vote as often as they wanted.”
Guests’ votes take the shape of dollar bills, and these votes go to the most special cause of helping children deal with the grief they suffer when a loved one dies. “Each and every dollar, each and every vote, goes toward helping Healing House bring its services to our clients,” continues Thackston. Judges will pick their favorite, but guests can vote for the one they like the best, too. “Please STUFF the ballot box,” chuckles Thackston.
2019 marks the 15th Martinis Gala, and Thackston remains amazed at the number of restaurants that year after year want to participate and help Healing House further its mission. “We want it to be win-win for both us and the restaurants; we promote the restaurant and they all tell us our ‘Tini Tuesdays’ often equate to one of the restaurants’ busiest Saturday nights. Great crowds definitely show up.”
Last but not least, Martinis guests will be given a glass decorated by this year’s chosen artist, Hannah Mason. “The glass has eight feathers which signify the eight restaurants, and feather also represents a special quality and meaning attached to it,” explains Thackston. “Hannah gets what we do and why we do it. She is an amazing partner this year.”
Individual tickets are still available for Healing House’s signature event, “The Martini Tour Gala”, set for this Saturday (August 17th) at the Doubletree in Lafayette, but they must be purchased no later than Friday, August 16th. “Food, music, and of course, deliciously creative martinis,“ concludes Thackston. “Always an incredible event that helps us keep our doors open and keep our services free.”
Tickets to the ‘Lafayette’s Absolut Best Martinis 2019’ event can be purchased by visiting www.healing-house.org or by calling 337-234-0443. Remember: Friday 8/16/19 is the deadline!!
