Love in Paris, Gaston LeNôtre Scholarship Fund Gala Raises $200,000

Houstonians got an early kick start to a Valentine’s Day celebration earlier this month with an intimate soirée with sweet and savory finish at the River Oaks Country Club. With over 200 guests this year they celebrated 20 honorees and chairs who have supported the Gaston LeNôtre Scholarship Foundation since its beginning in 2001.

Gaston LeNôtre Scholarship is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that works to raise much needed scholarship funds for deserving students who aspire to obtain a career in the culinary arts. Margaret Alkek Williams a lifetime honoree and president, the other honorees included: Mignon Gill, Paula Sutton, Dennis Steger, Steve Payne, Tina Raham Stewart, and Honorary Chefs Aaron Bludorn and Jacques Fox.

Allison Anderson Knight received the prestigious Gaston LeNôtre Scholarship Ambassador Award for her extraordinary contributions to the students and alumni of the Culinary Institute LeNôtre, ranked number one Culinary Arts College in the US for 3 years in a row.

The all volunteer organization awards scholarship funds to deserving students who aspire to a rewarding career in the hospitality and culinary arts. Over the years funds have been awarded to students that need them most and who after graduation excel in the industry.

The guests at this elegant evening indulged in champagne, a sophisticated three course dinner and a luscious chocolate buffet raising $200,000 alongside the efforts of gala chair Nadia Tajalli.

Marie LeNôtre with Debbie and Alan Stanton

Margaret Alkek Williams, Allison Knight and Marie LeNôtre

Marie LeNôtre and Nadia Tajalli

Marie LeNôtre, Chef Jacques Fox with Tina Raham Stewart

Marie LeNôtre with Ernie Manouse

Marie LeNôtre Grant recipient alumn Chef Armando Llanes with his wife

Ambassador Award recipient Allison Knight