Yacht Starship Announces "Taste of New Orleans" For Hurricane Katrina Relief

Tampa, FL - The Yacht StarShip announced today that it will host a very special "Taste of New Orleans" on Thursday, September 15 to raise immediate funds for the New Orleans Police Foundation. Guests will be able to hear testimony from a New Orleans police official who is currently in the city on rescue missions, cleaning up the chaos left in Hurricane Katrina's wake. Troy Manthey, president and CEO of Yacht StarShip, is a native of New Orleans. He brought his entire company and their families from the Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf coasts to Tampa Bay in September 2001. "All of us left family and close friends behind to establish our business here in Tampa Bay, and our hearts are sorely hurting for our loved ones" he said. "What's really upsetting though is the fear that our families are enduring because the police are facing a manpower and equipment crisis. We can't get there to protect them, but we can still help the police with our support. That's what the families of our eight affected employees have asked us to do - as soon as possible" he added.



The "Taste of New Orleans" will feature authentic New Orleans cuisine, jazz music, and a silent auction. The menu will include family recipes of true New Orleanians, such as Chicken Gumbo, Shrimp Etoufee, Fried Catfish, Oysters, Beignets, Bread Pudding and many other favorites. There will also be an open bar. Attire for the evening will be "elegant casual."



The public is invited to the event, which will take place on September 15 from 6 to 9 pm. 600 tickets are available at $50 per person. One hundred percent of the proceeds will be donated to Hurricane Katrina relief. Reservations are first come, first served and are being accepted now at 813.223.7999 or online at www.yachtstarship.com. The Yacht will be stationed dockside for the evening to accommodate more people. Yacht StarShip is located at Channelside, between the Florida Aquarium and St. Pete Times Forum.



About The New Orleans Police Foundation

Founded in 1996, The New Orleans Police Foundation is a non-profit, independent civic organization dedicated to supporting New Orleans' 1,500 police officers. More information is not currently available as the foundation's web site is down - a victim of the flooding.



About Yacht StarShip

Yacht StarShip features a unique blend of award-winning cuisine, casual elegance, live nightly entertainment, 4-star service and excellent views of the Tampa Bay waterfront aboard a 180-foot dining yacht (the largest dining yacht in Florida).

Chef Ralph Sitero
Executive Chef Yacht Starship