Packed House at Brasserie Pascal for "Libations for Literacy - Celebrity Bar Battle"

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. - April 8, 2013 - PRLog -- Newport Beach, CA (March 27, 2013) – The competition heated up last Wednesday in the bar at Brasserie Pascal (BP) for the first “Libations For Literacy - Celebrity Bar Battle” as four of OC’s super stars bartended in teams of two against each other to collect the most tip donations. Team “Dan-Dan,” Danielle Drucker and Dan Korpman, won the battle raising $700 in tips in just an hour and a half. Collectively the teams raised $1000 to benefit Literacy Profit Foundation’s mission to help at-risk students learn to read.

Team “VanBrett,” Vanessa Moore and Brett Lawrence performed the first hour and a half shift in great fashion. Lawrence is no stranger to the entertainment world as the Chief People Person at Rancho Las Lomas, an elegant 32-acre family estate and premier special event venue in Silverado. Lawrence came dressed to kill as a classic bow-tied bartender, and partner Moore looked fearless in a white tiger stripped blouse. Moore also has a career in the hospitality industry, and the duo was very comfortable behind the bar on center stage.

With Team “Dan-Dan,” Danielle Drucker sported French Cancan attire wearing a red-lace corset. Dan Korpman looked sharp in his matching red vest, and all he was missing was a dark, slim mustache to be a true Frenchman. Korpman acts as a Director at Anfield Capital Management’s Private Client Group in his day job, and Drucker put the media and publicity twist on the event with her PR skills as a Senior Account Executive with OC Public Relations.

Restaurateur Pascal Olhats and General Manager Herve Laveaud of Brasserie Pascal graciously offered their hospitality in the Brasserie Pascal bar for this unique duel match to engage patrons in a fun, energetic experience and create a "cheers" atmosphere while supporting a cause devoted to literacy. With one of the best bars in Newport Beach, BP was the perfect hot spot with its sexy Parisian décor that takes you back to Moulin Rouge. By partnering with LPF, a local non-profit organization that helps struggling readers improve English proficiency, the stage was set for a cocktail war like none other.

“The event was energetic; fueled by a fun, charitable and thirsty crowd. We look forward to continue in tradition,” stated Laveaud.

Bar Manager Sean Burns trained the two teams just days before the final event so their mixology skills were at peak performance. The French Margarita, a BP classic, was the featured cocktail and teams mastered making it immediately. That evening, Burns played barback to both teams during the competition. “The two teams were great fun and a pleasure to work with. Sorry guys, but the two girls shook the best French Margaritas!” said Burns. Besides serving up some mean cocktails, each teams’ goal was to raise cash tip donations to benefit LPF. The guests in attendance were very generous and raised approximately $1000 in tips.

The funds raised will enable 10 kids to receive LPF's reading program, The New Phonics Game, at no cost. The reading program is offered in school districts during daytime instruction as an intervention program to students performing well below English proficiency. The 30-hour program proves significant measurable growth in basic phonetic skills and improves self-confidence among participants. At-risk and struggling readers will be the beneficiaries of these funds and the literacy program.

“Our goal was to raise awareness of the Foundation’s mission which gives OC’s most struggling readers a chance to become literate adults. Pascal has always used his resources to help charities, and this was like being invited into his home for a party!  In good cheer, it was a way to bring a lot of people together to learn about the at-risk kids we serve,” commented Sue Tucker, LPF President/CEO.

Guests in the crowd included Annie & Howard Freedland (UBS), Aimee Richter (Tourneau, South Coast Plaza) Barbara Eidson (Island Hotel), Monette & Steve Zodovich (Zodovich Wines), Debbie & Randy Nesbitt, Kathy & Dino Crifasi, Gary Grant, Lacy Horning (owner of Merritt Charles), Evan Dorian, Tom Carey (Volcom Surfing Photographer) and Brandon Stewart among others.

“Friendship and generosity were in the air that night at Brasserie Pascal. The best way to toast is knowing you’re helping students learn to read for a better future,” said Olhats.