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An Evening with the Mannings 2008 
Friends of Children's Hospital is proud to announce that famed chef-restaurateur Emeril Lagasse will be the celebrity chef guest for the 2008 "An Evening with the Mannings" fundraising event, presented by BankPlus. Emeril will join Eli Manning in the gala's live cooking demonstration, which is part of Eli's continued effort to raise $2.5 million for the Eli Manning Children's Clinics at the Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children. “"We are so pleased that Emeril is able to join us for 'An Evening with the Mannings'," said Eli Manning. "Last year's event was great, but this year, Emeril's presence will kick it up a notch!" “"I'm happy to help my friend Eli in this worthwhile cause for the children of Mississippi," said Emeril. "I'm looking forward to being a part of this extraordinary event." “Between his accomplishments as a chef, best-selling books, Food Network programs and ten award-winning restaurants including Emeril's Gulf Coast Fish House in Gulfport, Mississippi, Emeril Lagasse is one of the most recognizable culinary celebrities in the country. In addition, Lagasse is an avid supporter of children's causes. In September 2002, Emeril established the Emeril Lagasse Foundation to support and encourage programs creating developmental and educational opportunities for children. In October 2007, he announced the future "Emeril Lagasse Culinary Learning Center" which will be located at Café Reconcile in New Orleans. Also, he and his wife Alden have served as co-chairs for the capital campaign for the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center in Gulfport, Miss. “"BankPlus is delighted that we can be part of bringing such a high-caliber chef and celebrity like Emeril to the community, especially as part of this important fundraising commitment for the Eli Manning Children's Clinics," said Bill Ray, President and CEO of BankPlus. “"An Evening with the Mannings," presented by BankPlus is the annual fundraising event in Eli Manning's five-year campaign to raise $2.5 million for the Eli Manning Children's Clinics at the Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children. More than $400,000 was raised at the 2007 inaugural event. “"I am confident Emeril's participation will draw even more interest and enthusiasm to our event, which will ultimately raise more money for the children's clinics," said Sara Ray, event chair and FOCH past president. "With the help of Emeril, Eli Manning and generous donations from Mississippians, we will be able to ensure a world-class facility for Mississippi children." “The 2008 "An Evening with the Mannings" event, presented by BankPlus is scheduled for June 21, 2008 at the Mississippi Telecommunications and Conference Center in Jackson. Tickets will be $250 per person. If you would like to be part of the Host Committee or you are interested in Sponsorship opportunities, please contact Melanie Schade at 601-984-5273 or MSchade@ped.umsmed.edu. Or you may also contact Kristin Cecchettini at BankPlus at 601.898.8312 or kristincecchettini@bankplus.net. Members of the Host Committee have committed to $5,000 over the next five years. In exchange for this donation, they will receive two tickets for each event every year along with some special invitations for functions with the Eli and Archie Manning. Following each event, they will also receive commemorative gifts. An Evening with the Mannings 2007
Night of fun features Eli against Archie in Grid Iron Chef Cook-off 
“Eli Manning, BankPlus and the Friends of Children's Hospital are joining forces to raise money for the new Eli Manning Children's
Clinics at the Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children. The inaugural fund raising event in this five-year $2.5 million campaign was held
on June 23, 2007 at the Mississippi Museum of Art. An Evening with the Mannings was a huge success, raising over $400,000 for the new clinics.
"Every year more than 75,000 children from across the state come to Children's Hospital for outpatient visits and they deserve a facility designed exclusively for their needs. With the help of Eli Manning and generous donations from Mississippians, we will be able to ensure a world-class facility for children," stated Suzan Thames, Chairman of Friends of Children's Hospital. "During a visit to Jackson for BankPlus production, my father and I toured Blair E. Batson Hospital and met several children and physicians," commented Eli Manning. "With their care and dedication, the doctors, nurses and staff of Children's Hospital truly change the lives of so many Mississippi children. I am humbled by the work they do and am honored to make this five-year commitment to help raise funds to build this state-of-the-art clinic that will serve Mississippi families for years to come." "We are so pleased Eli continues his dedication to helping his adopted home state with this important project and are grateful that BankPlus has agreed to sponsor the campaign," said Dr. Daniel W. Jones, vice chancellor for health affairs at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. "Eli is an exceptional individual who epitomizes the ideals of dedication, loyalty and concern for others that we at BankPlus hold dear," said Bill Ray, President and CEO of BankPlus. "We couldn't ask for a better spokesperson, so we are thrilled to be able to assist him in his efforts to raise money to help the children of Mississippi." |