DEUCE MCALLISTER AND DREW BREES SPIRITED NFL KICKOFF COCKTAILS FOR KATRINA Recap Story - 10.20.2006

Cocktails for Katrina weekend was a huge success in New Orleans. Surrounding the return of the Saints to the Superdome, Deuce McAllister and Drew Brees hosted a charity event on Saturday, September 23, 2006 at Generations Hall in the heart of the city.

Members of the media, sports enthusiasts, New Orleans natives, and visitors were able to enjoy beverages from Coca-Cola and Republic Beverage and food from New Orleans favorites such as: Morton's The Steakhouse, Impastato's Restaurant, The New Orleans Grill, and Drago's Famous Charbroiled Oysters.

Along with food and drink, the evening boasted a silent auction filled with autographed sports memorabilia from NFL, NBA, and MLB teams as well as NASCAR and one of a kind art pieces. New Orleans newscaster Roop Raj was the auctioneer for the live auction which included a Morton's The Steakhouse dinner party, Custom-made New Orleans Saints pool table from Xtreme Custom Billiards, a Super Bowl XLI dream weekend in Miami, and a beautiful Fleur de Lis diamond necklace. Entertainment for the evening was provided by New Orleans native and jazz artist, Dave Badie, as well as Atlanta resident and professional pool trick shot artist, Okinawa Slim.

The night also included "Carat for Katrina", where attendees could purchase one of 100 champagne glasses for $60 a glass, and have a chance to win a one carat loose diamond. Ninety-nine of the glasses contained a cubic zirconium and one lucky glass contained a one carat loose diamond. Rebecca Drefahl's night was complete when she was the winner of the one carat diamond from Jack Sutton Fine Jewelry!

Through Cocktails for Katrina, Deuce and Drew want to assist people, namely children, impacted by hurricane Katrina and make a difference in the community of New Orleans. Proceeds from the evening went to install a turf field and amenities at Pan American Stadium in City Park. This turf field is home to Orleans Parish high school athletic teams. Proceeds also go toward the NFL Youth Education Town (YET) Complex, located off of Earhart Highway on South Broad Street. The YET Complex is open all day, offering youth participants classes and activities to help them after school as well as focusing on career discovery for their futures. The center also offers GED courses and life skills classes for adults.

Cocktails for Katrina would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. A special thank you goes to Coca-Cola, Republic Beverage, The New Orleans Saints, NFL Players Association, NFL Players Inc, Markham Vineyards, Rain Vodka, and Sazerac. A special thank you also goes to everyone in attendance, participating restaurants, and especially the volunteers!

Here's what others are saying about Cocktails for Katrina!

"That weekend was one of the greatest weekends we have ever had."
Kevin and Rachel Hood of Baton Rouge, LA

"I speak for myself and the Windsor Court Hotel, saying it was a true honor to help you in your efforts, and we look forward to helping your foundation in the future."
Michael Collins, Executive Chef, Windsor Court Hotel, New Orleans, LA

"It was so much fun! I thought everything went well and looked wonderful!"
Katie Sheppard, Jackson, MS

"We enjoyed the event and hope to work with you again in the future!"
Kerri Guillot, Callais Ice Service, Chalmette, LA

View photo slideshow for this event

View the original Press Release for this event

View the Auction Items for this event

View the NFL YET Center Registry for this event