Hurricane Melissa Benefit Dinner
When the recent Hurricane Melissa devastated Jamaica, the team at Paradigm Gardens knew exactly what needed to be done. Having weathered their own share of storms, they are transforming their celebrated Concert Series on Tuesday, November 18 into a benefit dinner for Jamaica Hurricane Relief.
"We know what it is to be crushed by a hurricane," Paradigm Gardens owner Joel Hitchcock said in a press release. "We have an obligation to help our Jamaican brothers and sisters." Paradigm Gardens, located at 1131 S. Rampart St., is an urban farm and event space in New Orleans that provides local produce for many of the city's best restaurants, as well as hosts private events and live music for monthly concerts and events.
The timing couldn't be more fitting. The NOLA Reggae Fest, originally scheduled for late October, was rescheduled to November 14 and 15 after Hurricane Melissa stranded Jamaican artists whose flights were cancelled. Now, Paradigm Gardens is channeling that Caribbean spirit into "Dining for a Cause," which is their event to donate 100% of ticket proceeds to support hurricane relief efforts.
Local Restaurants, Silent Auction, and More
Paradigm Gardens recently hosted Jamaica benefit dinner, but as Hitchcock puts it: "We have an opportunity to help a lot of people in Jamaica, so we didn't want to waste the chance to do some good." They leverage their event space and community connections to make a tangible difference for people in need.
The evening promises an impressive culinary lineup featuring five acclaimed restaurants (Baru, Mister Mao, Kingsway, Here Today, and Brasa), all serving Caribbean-inspired dishes. A silent auction will offer Caribbean-themed items from local businesses, plus two all-inclusive resort stays at SeaGardens Beach Resort and Couples Resort—donated by the Jamaica Tourist Board.
Tickets are all-inclusive costing $100 with two seatings at 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. The event runs from 6:20 p.m. to 9 p.m. Purchase your tickets here for a night of dining, drinking, and donating to a beneficial cause.
This event is more than dinner—it is New Orleans showing up for a community that needs it most.
