Emeril Lagasse Foundation
Our scope of work for the foundation involves local, regional and national media relations, community relations, messaging development, social media consultation and online newsroom content development. This includes collaboration and coordination with several external organizations and teams including: Emeril’s corporate communications team; the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau; and the foundation’s beneficiaries and donors.
Fundraising is a crucial part of the Foundation’s efforts and is provided primarily through its annual signature events. Zehnder plays a key role in designing, managing and promoting these events, as well as maintaining ongoing communication with media members and influencers throughout the year to ensure attendance and coverage remains high. In 2017, Zehnder’s event marketing efforts for the Emeril Lagasse Foundation earned an Award of Excellence from the New Orleans Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.
Zehnder is deeply involved in event planning, promotion and on-the-ground social media activation for the Foundation’s renowned Boudin, Bourbon & Beer and Carnivale du Vin events. The client relies on Zehnder to develop an outreach plan and timeline, build and sustain awareness and drive ticket sales. Every year, our PR department distributes a number of press releases, pitches local, state and regional media and bloggers, handles intake and processing of all press pass applications, develops shot lists and coordinates media interviews with participating chefs and the Foundation’s president. These efforts help ensure a seamless, successful event weekend that significantly contributes to fundraising efforts and brand awareness.
Zehnder helped create an online community for the Emeril Lagasse Foundation through original, inspiring digital content. The content we produce for Emeril.org spotlights the organization’s good work and charitable member base. Each online feature focuses on one of the foundation’s beneficiaries, donors, students, or grant recipients. Content is promoted through social media and the brand’s e-newsletter.
Zehnder submitted award nominations on behalf of the Foundation to build recognition for its work and elevate the organization’s prominence within its community. In 2016, the Foundation was named Non-Profit of the Year by the Louisiana Association of Non-Profit Organizations’ annual Force for Good Awards, and in 2018, the Foundation’s signature fundraising event Boudin, Bourbon & Beer received the Best Non-Profit Event award from Crescent City Excellence Awards. Additionally, Zehnder secured the Foundation’s Vice President a place among New Orleans Magazine’s “Top Female Achievers 2018” list.
In 2016, the foundation and Second Harvest Food Bank reached a milestone of providing one million meals through Second Harvest’s summer feeding program. Zehnder secured media coverage for this achievement by executing media outreach and planning an on-site celebration event. Reporters from three out of four of New Orleans’ top TV stations attended, resulting in quality coverage that lasted from early morning show broadcasts to newscasts spanning into the evening.
