A soo-weet collaboration between entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and BBQ

Hogs for the Cause founders Becker Hall and Rene Louapre
with their inspiration, Ben

This post is dedicated to the memory of Ben Sarrat Jr. for the movement he inspired.

The formula for the first annual pig roast was simple: a few friends, a pig, and a keg. However, when Hogs for the Cause founders Becker Hall and Rene Louapre met Ben Sarrat, Jr., they were inspired to use their pig roast at the Fly to raise money for a family friend in need.

With that newfound motivation and drive, the duo has turned what was an idea for a small, pork infused gathering with friends into a highly anticipated festival that continues to triple in size each year.

In true New Orleans form, Hall and Louapre go back to childhood. Having grown up together, they always considered each other as brothers, and now play the roles of business partners with equal ease. Part of their success can be traced to the evident camaraderie and balance between the businessman and the lawyer, but their conviction and motivation has turned the young professionals into moonlighting entrepreneurs and philanthropists.

In 2009, the two friends and culinary aficionados came up with the idea of hosting a pig-roast, a tailgate tradition from Hall's alma mater at the University of South Carolina, and a surprisingly new concept to New Orleans.

Shortly after they decided to add a philanthropic component to their roast, they met Ben. The young son of a family friend had been diagnosed with DIPG, an incurable brain tumor that cannot be removed because of its location on the brain stem, typically giving those who are diagnosed only one year of survival after detection. Hall and Louapre were taken by Ben's enthusiasm and courage and decided to use their pig roast to raise money to help him and his family. Within a month, Hogs for the Cause was incorporated and registered as a 501c(3) non-profit organization.

"Meeting Ben was a really profound moment for us both, and immediately changed everything," Hall says of this pivotal moment that inspired their endeavor. "Even with such terrible circumstances, he still continued to have a genuine enthusiasm for life. At that point, we decided to do whatever we could to help Ben have the happy childhood he deserved."

In their first year, Hall and Louapre, along with 250 friends, raised $10,000 to help support Ben's family with their expenses. However, they knew they could do more.

The week before their second Hogs for the Cause, Ben tragically lost his battle to DIPG. However, his story only reinforced Hall and Louapre's mission and drive to continue their fundraising for other families. In its second year, Hogs for the Cause drew in 2,500 people and raised $30,000, with a large portion of it going to support families like the Sarrats.

Hogs for the Cause's mission is to alleviate some of the financial burden families face when a child is being treated for pediatric brain cancer. The money raised goes toward grants that help cover the peripheral expenses that insurance does not otherwise pay for, such as travel and lodging expenses incurred during cancer treatment.

Hall and Louapre filled a void of funding resources for pediatric cancer outreach services, as well as another void that New Orleans was ironically missing: pork cook-offs. In 2011, Hogs for the Cause moved from the Fly to City "Pork," where they raised $100,000 for their cause, along with the help of 45 teams battling it out with their pork creations and 7,000 attendees.

And that was only year three.

This year, within three weeks of registration opening, 60 spots were filled with teams of pork enthusiasts, amateur cooks, award-winning BBQ experts, and renowned chefs and restaurant owners. Besides their genuine enthusiasm to support the cause, the teams participate for the opportunity to prove their culinary skills and compete for the ultimate title of Grand Champion. To them, the pork cook-off is merely the grand finale of a year spent practicing recipes and practicing witty twitter banter and intimidation between the teams. (I train my stomach's pork capacity by reading their twitter feeds during this time. I recommend you do the same.)

The participants all compete in several categories, including Ribs, Whole Hog, Butt, Porkpourri, Grand Champion (who must Compete in three of the four aforementioned categories), Best Booth and Presentation, Fundraising Champion, Best Sauce, and Fan Favorite, which gives the fans a voice and opportunity to vote through the Hogs for the CauseiPhone app.

While Hogs for the Cause founders are grateful for the loyalty and enthusiasm of all the competitors, the team members continue to gain recognition for their participation in the competition as well. After winning last year's Porkpourri category, Chef Adam Biderman credited his participation in Hogs for the Cause for the inadvertent loyal following he built before opening The Company Burger last August.

This year, Biderman will be back to defend his title and continue his support to the cause, along with other local chefs, including Aaron Burgau of Patois, Drew Dzejak of The Windsor Court's Grill Room, Chefs Allison and Slade Rushing from MiLa, and Le Petite Grocery's Chef Justin Devillier, just to name a few.

Hogs for the Cause is March, 24th 2012

Hogs for the Cause is March, 24th 2012

Six bands have also been confirmed to perform on theNOLA Brewing stage this year, includingTrombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue,Voice of the Wetlands All-Stars, 2012 Grammy nominated artistMarcia Ball, The Stooges Brass Band,Mississippi Rail Company, and Austin, Texas' The Gourds.

While the event now launches the beginning of festival season in New Orleans and continues to grow significantly each year, Hall and Louapre still find that the greatest reward is being able to help their grant recipients.

"The greatest feeling in the world is walking into a room and delivering to a family a sign of hope," said Louapre about his motivation to continue the growth of the annual cook-off. "These are families with odds stacked against them. Their child is fighting against a brutal killer, and to be able to deliver just a small dose of help -- a reassurance that people care and a big hug of humanity -- makes it all worth it."

The entrepreneurial-minded team attributes the growth of their brand to their conviction and passion to help the families in need. And, when asked about where they see Hogs for the Cause in five years, they both agreed on being at the forefront of funding sources for pediatric brain cancer outreach services. Louapre added, "The cook-off will have 125 teams, there will be two stages of live music, and Becker and I (who have known each other our whole lives and are almost brothers) will still be fighting over minor details as we continue to make Hogs better."

Hall's vision includes taking the fundraising to a national level with cook-offs across the country.

While they might already be sparring about the exact coordinates of their five-year benchmark, it's unmistakable that their brotherly dynamic has helped them surpass even their own expectations. So, who's to say it won't all be possible?

The country's largest cook-off and nationally renowned charity based out of New Orleans is merely just a baby step toward what they can accomplish together. What's in store for March 24, 2012? Meatier competition, a new music lineup, larger location in City "Pork," an adult "porkade," frolf (frisbee-golf) games, a new iPhone app, and bigger fundraising goals.

To learn more, purchase tickets, and make a donation, visit their website, and follow them on Twitter and Facebook for all the updates and witty pork puns. Download the iPhone app to learn more about Hogs for the Cause, stay updated with the competition, vote for fan favorite, and purchase tickets.

Pre-Sale General admission tickets for $10, as well as ticket packages that include unlimited food and beer, judging privileges, and access to the "Boss Hog" tent, are available now and can be purchased online or on the iPhone App.

http://www.nola.com/nolavie/index.ssf/2012/01/a_soo-weet_collaboration_betwe.html

Celebrity Chef and Cristian Rivera Foundation Committee Member Ricardo Cardona Caters Delicious Home-Cooked Meal for "Moms for Mikey" Auction Winners

The Cristian Rivera Foundation, along with Committee Member and Celebrity Chef Ricardo Cardona, donated an event package that was auctioned at the Mikey Czech Foundation's annual fundraiser gala, "Moms for Mikey," on Saturday November 19, 2011 at The Woodway Country Club, Darien, CT.


Robert and Dana MacNaughton bid a winning $7,500 for Chef Cardona to personally cater a meal for 8 people, including food, liquor and servers. They invited three couples over a delicious meal of miso sea bass, churrasco and traditional steak accompanied by lobster salad. For dessert, Chef Cardona impressed the guests with chocolate cake, apple empanadas and flan. "The dinner was phenomenal and unbelievably delicious," said Mrs. MacNaughton, who noted that while she and her husband have visited some of the best restaurants in the world, they were absolutely stunned by Chef Ricardo Cardona's amazing recipes. "Everybody called back next day and complemented the food and expressed their gratitude for such a delicious dinner."

This was Mr. MacNaughton's second year attending the event and the first for his wife. Though they don't personally know a child with DIPG, the MacNaughton's 4 ½-year-old son Stewart was diagnosed with Medullo Blastoma two years ago. They feel that children with cancer don't receive enough funding for treatment and wanted to help with their generous $7,500 bid.

"It was a very unique, almost one in a lifetime opportunity," said Mrs. MacNaughton. "If the same prize is offered again next year, I would do it again and definitely recommend it to everybody."

Community comes out to support 5-year-old cancer patient

By Katie Sullivan ksullivan@timesshamrock.com
She doesn't know Zach Cadwalder or have any affiliation with his family, but when Jessica Kane heard about the fundraiser that will benefit the sick 5-year-old, she knew she wanted to be a part of it.

"I'm a teacher, and it's terrible to see a child sick. So, anything you can do," she said.

Ms. Kane was one of hundreds who came out to support the Cadwalders after the Green Ridge family found out in November that Zach had diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma - an inoperable brain tumor. The family takes Zach to an experimental clinical trial at the National Institutes of Health in Maryland for treatment.

Family and friends pulled together to make sure the family had what they needed to get by.

"It's devastating news; he really is the strongest person we know," said relative Gabrielle Kasaczun, who helped organize the event. "We decided we had to do something to raise money."

With a large picture of Zach dressed in a purple baseball uniform - his ears poking out from his cap, clutching a bat and flashing a toothy grin - displayed in the middle of St. Mary's Center on Friday night, hundreds of people came to eat, drink and buy raffle tickets.

The proceeds go toward the young boy's medical care and travel expenses as Zach undergoes radiation and chemotherapy five days a week. His family said his attitude is as positive as ever.

"He's very brave. He's happy and outgoing," Ms. Kasaczun said of her little cousin.

Zach's aunt, Lauren Washo, said the family can only be grateful for the overwhelming support shown for the 5-year-old.

"He's our superhero," Ms. Washo said.

Ms. Kane said working with children as a pre-kindergarten teacher has shown her a lot about the spirit of young kids like Zach.

"They have a wonderful ability to bounce back," she said. "They have an inner strength you wish adults had sometimes."

Contact the writer: ksullivan@timesshamrock.com

www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/community-comes-out-to-support-5-year-old-cancer-patient-1.1260755#ixzz1kWWepAQz

The fight of her life Five-year-old battles brain tumor

By Brian Croce bcroce@liherald.com

An ever-smiling Valentina has undergone radiation treatments to shrink her brain tumor. She will undergo an MRI on Jan. 12 to check the status of the tumor.

When a person is diagnosed with a serious medical condition at any age it is devastating news for his or her friends and family. But when the parents of a four-year-old receive word that their child has an inoperable brain tumor, it's earth shattering.

Unfortunately, that's exactly what Farmingdale residents Erik and Cristina Bravin were told on July 21. Their daughter, Valentina, was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a tumor located in the middle of the brain stem, leaving the Bravin's with a limited amount of treatment options to explore.

"It's shocking," Cristina said of the diagnosis. "There was a lot of anger and asking 'Why us?" She added, "Nobody ever wants to hear anything negative about their child, let alone when they basically give her a death sentence."

To help the Bravin's with mounting medical and travel expenses, several fundraisers have been held in Valentina's name including one at the Lynbrook VFW last November. Valentina's aunt and uncle, Gina and Frank Orosz of Lynbrook, planned the event. It was attended by approximately 170 people and raised $26,000. There have also been fundraisers held in Valentina's hometown of Farmingdale.

The Bravins didn't waste any time to see what the possible routes of treatment were. "We basically went into search mode," Cristina said. "We were researching every factor and treatment possible around the country and around the world."

Their research led them to Houston, Texas where Valentina underwent 30 radiation treatments for six consecutive weeks at MB Anderson Cancer Center. The procedures started on Aug. 18 and ended Oct. 3.

Valentina, who turned five on New Year's Eve, has been brave throughout her fight with DIPG according to her mom. "She's a fighter," Cristina said. "She doesn't do things willingly, but when she does eventually comply with anything that doctors and nurses have to do she's very tough." Cristina said that the radiation treatment did shrink the tumor by 50 percent, but those results are usually temporary.

The Bravin's were hoping Valentina would be accepted to a trial at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center by Jan. 10, but according to Cristina the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) didn't do them any favors.

"We were waiting for the FDA to approve this trial for several months," Cristina said. "They finally approved it on Dec. 29 which didn't leave much time for that cutoff date." She said that Valentina missed the Jan. 10 cutoff by a few days because patients could not be admitted to the trial after 14 weeks since their last radiation treatment.

"It's a life or death situation, but the FDA couldn't care less," she said.

After Valentina's diagnosis, Cristina resigned from her job at Winthrop University Hospital and temporarily moved to Texas while her daughter underwent radiation treatment. Erik works in sales and has also taken a lot of time off in recent months.

Valentina, who likes ballet, ice skating and playing with Barbie dolls, will undergo an MRI on January 12 to check the status of her tumor. If the tumor is stable or has regressed, Cristina said Valentina may be considered for a new trial at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD.

Valentina's grandfather started a foundation, Friends of Valentina, after the diagnosis. Cristina said the foundation is a medical trust fund to help cover expenses and to give Valentina special celebrations when she feels up to it.

If you would like to donate to or find out more information about Friends of Valentina, you can contact Gina at (516)384-9739 or Frank at (516)509-7862 or beans14orosz@netscape.net.

Happy Holidays from the Cristian Rivera Foundation

 

We at the Cristian Rivera Foundation extend the warmest of holiday greetings to our friends, family and supporters. Thank you for the generosity and care you've shown throughout the year, whether it be through making donations, attending our events, or even just wearing our wristband every day and educating your loved ones about our cause. You have made an amazing contribution to the fight against DIPG and we look forward to taking the fight even further in 2012. We would also like to extend a special greeting to all of the brave DIPG families. Whether your child has already earned their wings or your family is still in the midst of this devastating struggle, we want to thank you for inspiring us and showing us all the true meaning of love, bravery and courage. You are all in our thoughts this holiday season.

The Cristian Rivera Foundation Helps Raise Over $7500.00 for DIPG Research

Pictured Above From Left to Right:Cristian Rivera Foundation Founder John "Gungie" Rivera, Cristian Rivera Foundation Committee Member Chef Ricardo Cardona, Founder of the Mikey Czech Foundation Steve Czech, and The Winner of The Auction

The Cristian Rivera Foundation and Committee Member and Celebrity Chef Ricardo Cardona helped raise over $7500 at the 4th Annual "Moms for Mikey" event, held at The Woodway Country Club in Darien, CT in memory of DIPG Angel Mikey Czech. The Cristian Rivera Foundation donated an event package with Chef Cardona that was auctioned at the fundraiser gala on Saturday November 19. The lucky winner bid $7500 to have Chef Cardona come to their home and cook for 10 people. One server, food and wine was included in the winning bid. The Cristian Rivera Foundation also donated a baseball autographed by New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez, which was auctioned off as part of a gift basket. We are proud of the work being done by the Mikey Czech Foundation and are happy to help in whatever way we can, so that together one day we can rid the world of DIPG once and for all.

The Cristian Rivera Foundation Donates $100,000 to Dr. Mark Souweidane of Weill Cornell Medical Center at Third Annual Gala

Thanks to overwhelming ticket sales, live and silent auction purchases, and donations associated with this year’s Third Annual Cristian Rivera Foundation Gala, John “Gungie” Rivera was proud to present Dr. Mark Souweidane with a check for $100,000 at the star-studded event. 

John was joined on stage by all of the Cristian Rivera Foundation committee members in attendance - including former Bronx Borough President and mayoral candidate Fernando Ferrer, celebrity chef Alex Garcia, actress and founder of the Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre Miriam Colon, celebrity chef Ricardo Cardona, legendary producer John “Jellybean” Benitez, former New York Knicks all-star Anthony Mason, La Mega’s JI Starr, concert impresario Ralph Mercado III, interior decorator Solange Osorio and professional body builder Victor Martinez - or this historic moment. 

The event was held at the newly re-launched Copacabana Supper Club and Event Space in Times Square and hosted by Saturday Night Live star Kenan Thompson and award-winning actor Luis Guzman, both committee members of the Cristian Rivera Foundation. It featured a 30-minute band set by legendary pop/Latin singer Brenda K. Starr and food provided by Celebrity Chefs Ricardo Cardona and Alex Garcia. Among the night’s esteemed guests were Danielle Staub of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, comedian Ruperto Vanderpool, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., New York City Comptroller John Liu, Dangerous Minds actor Renaly Santiago and, of course, Dr. Souweidane, the Director of the Weill Cornell Pediatric Brain and Spine Center who took this opportunity to announce that his one-of-a-kind novel delivery system has gotten approval from the FDA and clinical trials will start in a few weeks. 

You can still help the Cristian Rivera Foundation raise money for Dr. Souweidane’s exciting and important work. Visit www.cristianriverafoundation.org to make a donation, or to purchase signature foundation t-shirts or one of our three styles of wristbands. All money raised goes directly to Dr. Souweidane and his team, and every donation, big or small, helps us get closer to our goal of curing DIPG forever. For photos of the Third Annual Cristian Rivera Foundaiton Gala, visitwww.cristianriverafoundation.org/gala3 or www.facebook.com/cristianriverafoundation.