As cleanup efforts get underway, the Baton Rouge food and beverage community is coming together to host a fundraiser this weekend to benefit victims of the historic floods.
More than a dozen vendors have already signed on to participate in the event, dubbed “Fundraiser Under The Overpass,” which will be held from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday beneath the Perkins Road overpass.
Admission to the event is $25, and attendees are also asked to bring a donation such as a toiletry item, bedding or article of clothing. All proceeds will go to the Louisiana Flood Relief Fund established by the Baton Rouge Area Foundation.
Among the organizers of the fundraiser are Nick Hufft, co-owner of The Overpass Merchant, and Chad Hughes, who co-owns Ivar’s and recently announced plans for the new Kalurah Street Grill in the former Chelsea’s space. Marketing exec Kenny Nguyen is helping promote the event, and since posting information about it on Facebook late Tuesday, the number of vendors has already increased.
“So far the growth has been organic,” Nguyen says. “But so many people want to do something to help, the list keeps growing.”
Participating vendors so far include: The Overpass Merchant, Ivar’s Sports Bar, The Cajun Spoon, The Kolache Kitchen, Barbosa BBQ, Robear Ln., Jax Brewhouse, Barcadia, Pelican House, and Galatoire’s. Beverage providers include: Abita Brewing Company, Yuengling, NOLA Brewing, New Belgium, Tin Roof and Shiner.
Attendees will be able to enjoy all the food they’d like from the vendors, as well as drinks from the beverage vendors.
Nguyen says the group is hoping to have at least 500 attendees, which would generate some $12,500.
Vendors interested in participating should contact Dustin Malina at dustin@theoverpassmerchant.com. Get complete event details.
—Stephanie Riegel
