The Escoffier Museum of Culinary Art

During the evening, the Auguste Escoffier Foundation will organise a raffle in aid of ‘Ma Maison – Petites Sœurs des Pauvres de Nice’, in order to honour the legacy and generosity of Auguste Escoffier, a chef with a big heart. During his years as head chef at the Savoy in London (1890–1897), and then from 1899 to 1920 at the Carlton, Auguste Escoffier was deeply moved by the admirable dedication of the Little Sisters of the Poor, who devoted their lives to improving the lot of destitute elderly people. He took a particular interest in their work and was keen to ensure that everything the hotel provided for them was prepared with special care and presented with exemplary cleanliness. This attention to detail bears witness to the generosity of a man who, beyond his immense talent as a chef, knew how to be attentive to the most vulnerable and the most destitute.
The Little Sisters of the Poor, an international religious congregation of the Catholic Church, were founded in Brittany in 1839 by Jeanne Jugan, who was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1982 and subsequently canonised by Pope Benedict XVI on 11 October 2009.

These women, consecrated to God, are dedicated to serving poor elderly people, regardless of their cultural or religious background. With the help of a vast network of volunteers and lay people, they welcome elderly people into homes that become their own.
Together with them, they form a true family, supporting them with respect, affection and kindness until the natural end of their lives. Located in Nice, on Rue de la Gendarmerie, ‘Ma Maison’ currently cares for seventy vulnerable elderly people, in a spirit of family and simplicity, faithful to the charism of Saint Jeanne Jugan.

This raffle will feature a wealth of prizes, including holidays donated by French luxury hotels and hoteliers, gourmet restaurants and many other prizes.