On March 22, 2022, a devastating tornado ripped through historic Arabi, Louisiana. Eighty-year-old Joy Alexander (my aunt) somehow escaped the rubble of her destroyed home through a window in the darkness -- only minutes after it had been lifted from its foundation and violently dropped to the ground. The destroyed house was co-owned by Joy's daughter Jill and son Craig Alexander (my first cousins). Jill lived on the other side of the shotgun double and was fortunately not yet home when the tornado struck.

In addition to destroying their beautiful, recently renovated home, Joy's car was flipped upside down. Both the crumbled remains of their house and Joy's car were featured in news feeds distributed throughout the country.

'JoyFest - a tornado of love' is a fundraiser to help Joy, Jill, and Craig cope with their displacement and loss of property while struggling to get their lives back together.

The JoyFest event took place on Sunday, April 24th at Causeway Bar & Grill (owned by life-long friends in Metairie, LA) and was attended by family and friends of the Alexanders. NOLA musicians Dead End and Jimmy Triay (from Lost In The Sixties) donated their performances. 

All donations to this very special cause made through GoFundMe, and by cash and checks (made out to the non-profit ‘Old Metairie Irish Festival’) were accepted from anyone that wished to help. Every dollar collected (less GoFundMe fees) will be distributed to the impacted family in the form of a check from the ‘Old Metairie Irish Festival’ (via Metairie Bank & Trust) - for use in getting back on their feet.

Thanks again to all that contribute thoughts, prayers and financial donations... and your participation in this very special "tornado of love". — Jim Pittman