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15th Annual Chi Chi Miguel Throwdown

from Destin_May21_webmag

by VIP Destin, LLC

from Destin_May21_webmag, page 43

Business Before Hours

Chi Chi Miguel

photos & story by Kay Phelan

The forces of philanthropy were once again in full play as a small gathering in Mike and Val Thompson’s Sandestin backyard in 2006 transformed into the 15th Chi Chi Miguel Throwdown on April 10. Event chairs, Mike “Chi Chi Miguel” and Valerie Thompson, along with Emeril and Alden Lagasse, put on another successful Throwdown party at Churchhill Oaks in Santa Rosa Beach.

After a virtual event last year, the Throwdown gathered in person with reduced attendance and other precautions installed in consideration of attendees. While this year’s sold-out event looked a little different, guests enjoyed an energetic evening with acclaimed wines poured by Napa and Sonoma vintners, a blind wine tasting competition among celebrated vintners, and dynamic live and silent auctions. Delicious bites were catered by Marrow Private Chefs.

“It has been incredible to see this event grow from a backyard barbeque with friends into the fundraising event that it is today,” says Emeril Lagasse, chairman and founder of the Emeril Lagasse Foundation. “My wife Alden and I are honored by everyone’s generosity in support of youth emergency relief and food insecurity issues in our community. Thank you to our guests, winemakers, chefs, sponsors, nd friends who make it all possible.”

Raising a signi cant $500,000, funds from the weekend bene ted Emeril Lagasse Foundation and three charity recipients with a focus on children and food insecurity including Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, Food for Thought, and Matrix Food Bank.

Val & Mike Thompson, Alden & Emeril Lagasse Darren & Tiffanie Nelson