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July 15, 2009 - Friends of Children's Hospital announced today that over $600,000 was raised at the 2009 fundraiser, "An Evening with the Mannings, Presented by BankPlus." The proceeds from this event will benefit Friends and the recently-opened Eli Manning Children's Clinics at the Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children. 
"During my last trip to Jackson, I was able to tour the Eli Manning Children's Clinics for the first time," said Eli Manning. "That was a special day for my wife Abby and me, and I'm so happy that with the continued success of this event, we are well on our way to our $2.5 million goal."The black tie event was held Saturday, June 27, 2009 at the Jackson Convention Complex in downtown Jackson. Featured at the gala was a live cooking demonstration that included Eli Manning and his celebrity guest, famed chef and restaurateur, Emeril Lagasse. The pair cooked up recipes from Emeril's latest cookbook, Emeril at the Grill, including grilled marinated flank steak; salmon with a pineapple, mango, and strawberry salsa; and grilled peaches with mascarpone and honey. "I was very happy to return to Jackson to help my friend Eli and the Manning family in this worthwhile cause for the children of Mississippi," said Emeril Lagasse. "What a wonderful night dedicated to raising funds to improve the healthcare for children in this area." Sam Haskell, former Executive Vice President and Worldwide Head of Television at the William Morris Agency, and author of the recently published book Promises I Made My Mother, served as the event's emcee, offering guests his own anecdotes on the importance of giving back to the community. "It was an honor to host An Evening With The Mannings," said Haskell. "Mary [Haskell's wife] and I admire the philanthropic endeavors of Olivia, Archie, Abby, and Eli Manning, and we'd do anything to help them. God above is surely aware of the good that is being done to help the children of Mississippi!" Other event highlights included an entertaining live auction, as well as a silent auction composed of signed sports memorabilia, Viking appliances, Emeril merchandise, spa packages, art, trips, and fine jewelry. "BankPlus has a longstanding relationship with the Manning family," said Bill Ray, BankPlus President and CEO. "It is gratifying to know that this relationship has allowed BankPlus to help bring this project to fruition, ensuring a world-class healthcare facility for all of Mississippi's children." "Part of the event's success can be attributed to Emeril Lagasse's talented culinary staff and the excellent facilities at the new Jackson Convention Complex," said Sara Ray, Chair of "An Evening with the Mannings" and Friends Board Member. "This new venue is truly an asset to metro Jackson in that it enabled us to put on a first-class event and successful fundraiser for Friends of Children's Hospital." |