Time to party like it'€™s 2009

In the spirit of giving back to the community and helping those who need it most, Benedict’s Plantation is hosting a fund ringing-in event — a New Year’s Eve party to benefit the Covington Food Bank.

The food bank has more people than ever seeking its help due to the economy. Benedict’s, along with corporate sponsors, will hold an elegant soiree, complete with casino, to help fill the food bank’s coffers for the upcoming year.

Nicole Rodrigue of Benedict’s said the event will help the food bank feed those who need it most at a time when they will need it — after Christmas. Among the activities will be an auction including a seven-day cruise from Norweigan Cruise lines. Also in the auction and raffle are two nights at the Monteleone Hotel; two tickets for the Eagles concert in New Orleans Jan.23, 2009; and an official LSU print.

Rodrigue said a Las Vegas-style casino motif will decorate the historic plantation house and provide entertainment for the evening, while the ballroom will have a black and white elegant décor to ring in the New Year.

Corporate sponsors thus far are Textron Marine and Northshore Stucco, with Kevin Tran at CHL Linen providing the décor. Ambiance Flowers is donating its services as well.

The party will begin at 9 p.m. with all the trimmings — food, music and drink, including champagne — to ring in a new year filled with hope and resolutions.

Food includes an elegant fare of hors d’oeuvres, including mini crab cakes, coconut shrimp, meat pies, seared pan tuna; a buffet featuring smoked salmon, boiled shrimp, Napolean salad, shrimp scampi, chicken Michelle, and other delicacies.

Entertainment will include the Groovy 7 in the Grand Ballroom and Countdown Sound DJ along with casino gambling in the plantation house. Of course, there will be fireworks at midnight.

Donation for the event is $125 per person.

Sponsorships are still available.

To reserve your space and provide a present for the Covington Food Bank and a family in need, call 626-4557. Benedict’s is located at 1144 N. Causeway Blvd. in Mandeville.