Brian Held, Jr. Memorial Fund
Local (and yet somehow Intergalactic) Celebrity Brian Held, Jr. stormed the Geek scene from the early days of organized 501st Legion in Louisiana through our very first Wizardworld Comic Con in New Orleans almost 10 years ago. Since then he never looked back bringing smiles and an extra je ne sais quoi to every event, party, and charitable gathering he attended.
For me, personally, everything felt better and livelier when Brian was present. In short, he was the ideal event enhancer. He had charisma, charm, and presence that you just couldn't compare to anything else around. When you see a photo of Brian, if you knew him, you can't help but hear his voice and see his squinty smile.
Brian wasn't a person who said "no" easily when his help or presence was requested. To that end we, his friends in the Louisiana Giving Back Cosplay Alliance, an organization formed by the same folks who brought the Louisiana Ghostbusters to life, had the opportunity to see Brian put his talent to work for others. 
Whether he was trudging through a six mile parade in the blazing heat in his Vader suit to help us raise money for American Cancer Society or tenderly taking a knee to speak to a patient at a Halloween Party in Children's Hospital, he was always there for us. So we have decided to be there for him and to turn some of the darkness enshrouding the world these past few months since he left us into light.
Brian had several causes dear to his heart and we have decided to take the trust earned in the last 10 years through the Louisiana Ghostbusters brand to request from those who loved him a drive for donations to fuel these causes which each represented a very personal aspect of Brian's life. 
It is our hope to raise enough money through Gofundme to send $1,000 to three charities that mattered the most to Brian in deeply personal ways you may have seen over the years.
1. APAWS - Animal Protection and Welfare Society
Brian had an affinity for animals raising many of his own over the years, but was always quick to help out with animal rescue and support causes. If he wasn't loving on his cats and beloved canine Conrad (d.) he was offering to sit pets for his friends or chip in at Pet Smart to raise money for organizations such as APAWS.
2. Children's Hospital of New Orleans
On several occasions the honor of being invited to Children's Hospital in costume to entertain child patients was offered to the LAGB Cosplay Alliance. Brian was willing to wield his Vader suit and defy the heat and discomfort of that impressive display to bring excitement and distraction to children with ailments of all kinds, even going so far as to sanitize the equipment and sometimes go out in the heat in that costume to make a child or fan's day.
3. American Cancer Society
This cause has been included among beneficiaries of the fund because cancer became a particular scourge in Brian's life when his mother was diagnosed with the ailment not once, but twice, making it deeply personal for him.
It is our hope to turn some of the darkness of the past few months not only in our connections to Brian, but in the world, into a light shining for all who loved him and beyond to enjoy and be proud of.
Please consider donating on Brian's behalf or on behalf some someone near and dear to you who might benefit from these charities, and please spread the word to those who care to light up the night with right.
Regards,
-Ben Langlinais
Co-Founder
