Support for Rogerio's family

Everyone that knew Rogerio was touched by is kindness and compassion. It is time that we give back to him. His passing has left a hole in the hearts of so many of us. Rogerio was born on November 23, 1965 in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Rogerio moved to New Orleans in 1988 were he has been a pillar of love and support to the New Orleans community. All those that knew Rogerio understood his love and dedication to his family. He leaves behind his loving wife, Nalu Zacarias de Paiva, his daughter Mariana (25), and his son Gustavo (17). But Rogerio’s sense of family extended beyond blood relation. Everything that Rogerio did had the interests of others at heart. He played a central role in providing emergency relief in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, inventing ways to feed post-Katrina aid workers and stranded New Orleanians when their were almost no resources available to do so. We are all indebted to his work ethic and resourcefulness both then and now. After his role in post-Katrina reconstruction, he and Nalu would go on to open Coco Bamboo Restaurant where, not only did they serve food, but they created a place of emotional support and belonging for newly arrived Brazilians in the community. One of the things that brought Rogerio the most joy was playing soccer. He was a unifying team player and will be greatly missed.

Rogerio and his family need our help now.  Nalu and her children are going through a rough moment, not only losing their beloved husband/father, but also having to reinvent themselves in order to face the financial realities that await them. Rogerio was the sole provider for his family. The bills are already piling up. His son Gustavo is top of his class in his private high school and the currently do not know how to pay for him to continue. We need to come together as a community to help the Paiva family make it through these next few months financially in order to give enough time for Nalu and her children to be able to figure out what to do next. It will not be easy. This is a family that has given so much to us over the years. Please help out in their moment of need! Every little bit would mean the world. You have the ability to help make a real difference in the life of this wonderful family.