This year the Gaston Lenotre Scholarship Foundation hosted its 19th Annual Champagne & Chocolate Gala. The gala, which took place on Valentine’s Day in the illustrious River Oaks Country Club, is the only fundraising event of the year for the nonprofit.All of Houston’s most esteemed Francophiles came out in their black tie attire. The night began with a stunning performance from traditional French Cancan dancers leading into the meal prepared by Head Chef Charles Carroll.
Dessert was provided completely by the CIL pastry department with the most spectacular buffet of macarons, bon bons and petit fours. The evening consisted of both silent and live auctions, providing ample time for the generous guests to be even more generous! Included in the auction were a sunset cruise for 15 on Bill King’s yacht, and a 1 week stay at the Lenotre beach villa in Pietrosella, Corsica. Two CIL Alumni auctioned off their catering services for a private party of 8 as well. Students and chefs worked together for weeks preparing spectacular chocolate sculptures that also went up for auction during the gala. The gala was a complete success raising over $150,000 for the Gaston LeNotre Scholarship fund.