New Orleans rock band Better Than Ezra, through its Better Than Ezra Foundation, held the 9th annual Ezra Open March 27 to a resounding success. The combined day of celebrity bowling, concert and donors’ party raised more than $200,000 – $32,500 of that raised when the band auctioned off a gig in the home or venue-of-choice of the auction winner. Over the years, the Foundation has raised over $500,000 and donated it to various charities around the New Orleans area.

Kevin Griffin, Tyler Hilton, Lori Heuring and Zach Strief

Some famous faces also showed their support for the band, including actor Jonathan Silverman, American Idol alum David Cook, singer Ryan Cabrera, and Saints offensive tackle Zach Strief. Strief auctioned off a package of seats, sideline passes and post-game party with the Saints for $3,600, and when it became unclear who was the final bidder, he made it two packages, raising $7,200 in the process.

The concert included acoustic performances by Taylor Hilton, Cabrera and the Vettes before Better Than Ezra took the stage. They were joined by Megan Joy and David Cook, both of which have recorded songs by BTE’s Kevin Griffin.

The BTE Foundation was formed in 2000 to help fight Muscular Distrophy, but after Hurricane Katrina, it changed its focus, working to help fund projects that preserved “the structural and cultural heritage of New Orleans and South Louisiana.”