Jimmy  Darts

SB Mowing

Pattie Gonia

Little Miss Flint

Kalina Silverman / @makebigtalk on Instagram

Samuel Weidenhofer

Patriotic Kenny Foundation

Ben Saunders - Flawless Cleaning

The Dogist

Peter Bond

Amy Jandrisevits

Ask Uncle Jack

That Good News Girl

Tess Bohne

FowlMouthFarmer

Latonja and Taylor Richardson

Officer Richard Craig

Flavor Flav

John Wolfe

Khloe

<div>Today I met a 89-year-old woman named Nona.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>I asked her if a diamond ring belonged to her.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Even though she could have easily said yes, she chose to tell the truth and said it wasn't hers.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>To reward her honesty, I gave her $1,000.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>She immediately began to tear up as she shared her story.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Nona recently lost her husband after they were unable to afford to repair the air conditioning in their home during extreme heat paired with his health conditions. Since then, she's been forced to move out of the house they shared, and she's still struggling to afford basic necessities, including keeping a cool place to live. Nona is currently living in hotel rooms.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>And yet, even after everything she's been through and with $60 to her name, she still chose honesty.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>A woman like Nona shouldn't have to face this season of life alone. Let's rally around her and help provide the comfort, stability, and peace she deserves.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Do your thing, internet ❤️
</div>

Help 89 Year Old Grandma Survive Through Crisis ❤️

<div>Our community is grieving the heartbreaking loss of Ronell Johnson, a beloved musician, friend, colleague, and family member whose life and artistry touched so many.

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div>For nearly 30 years, Ronell was part of the Preservation Hall family, performing multiple times a week at Preservation Hall in New Orleans and traveling the world with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Night after night, city after city, Ronell carried the spirit of New Orleans with him, sharing the music with audiences near and far.

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div>Ronell had that rare and beautiful gift great musicians carry: he could lift a room the moment he began to play. He brought smiles to people’s faces and joy into their hearts. His musicianship was deep, soulful, generous, and full of life. He expressed love through his music, through his craft, and through the way he showed up for the people around him.

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div>We all know that Ronell was a deeply giving person, someone who so often put others ahead of himself. He gave freely through his music, his presence, his spirit, and his heart. Now it is our time to give back to someone who gave all of us such a great gift: joy, music, and love.

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div>At this very difficult time, Ronell’s family is carrying the emotional weight of his passing while also facing the financial burden of funeral expenses and medical care. As a community, we have both an opportunity and a responsibility to surround them with love, support, and relief.

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div>We are raising funds to help cover Ronell’s funeral arrangements and outstanding medical expenses, and to give his family some measure of peace as they navigate the days ahead. No family should have to carry these burdens alone, especially while grieving someone so deeply loved.

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div><span>Any contribution, large or small, will make a meaningful difference. Sharing this fundraiser is also a powerful way to help. All funds will go to Rachel Johnson, Ronell’s widow.</span><br />
</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div>Ronell gave so much beauty to the world through his music, his spirit, and his presence. He gave us joy. He gave us love. He gave us the sound of a life devoted to music. Now it is our turn to give something back to him and to the family he leaves behind.

</div>

<div><br />

</div>

<div>With gratitude, love, and deep respect,

</div>

<div>The Preservation Hall Community / Friends of Ronell Johnson

</div>

Support funeral & medical expenses for Ronell Johnson

<div>Ms. Betty Daggons is 78 and finally after working her entire life bought a house of her own in New Orleans East. Two weeks ago a massive Oak tree fell on it and destroyed it. Then looters came and stole what was left. She has no insurance, no savings, no place to go. She has a heart condition, and has lost her son and a grand daughter.  Please help her with funding for a place to live. 
</div>

Support Ms. Betty After Devastating Loss

<div>My name is Nikki Carney from Pasadena CA. Creator of Roseg24kldplates catering and this resource fund. The community and families are still facing obstacles that the Eaton fire created in January and it’s our mission to support and uplift the community in this time of need.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>I created this fund in support of my grandmother, <strong>Dorothy Frank of Altadena, CA</strong>. She lost everything she owns in the Eaton Canyon fires, including her home she built and worked hard for with my late grandfather over 50 years ago. With the support of so many amazing people we’ve been able to support my grandmother and over 100 families that needed support in the beginning stages of the aftermath of the fire. We’ve donated to Pasadena Non profits that were actively in the community hosting essential drives, delivered hot food, clothes, shoes, household supplies, hygiene products and given monetary support to families who needed money for hotel stays or food gift cards. We are soooo grateful and touched by the support given to our community and couldn’t have done it without you! A huge thank you to people who have shared our story and mission. The Colibri Collective, Kalina Silverman creator of Make big talk, Rae Williams of Spectrum news, Charlees Angels, Coco and brows, The Plant Chica, Louis LIV and everyone who has supported and shared our story.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Roseg24Plates has also been taking a portion from sales to support the community that really have emergency needs and have suffered from the Eaton Fires. <strong>If you cannot donate, please share this story, the business page or support the business to help us rebuild and support </strong>
</div>

RoseG24kldplates Altadena Eaton Fire community resource fund

<div>Help Shannon Powell “King of Treme” through his Road to Recovery
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>On Sunday, August 4th, New Orleans’ beloved Shannon Powell “King of Treme”—a New Orleans icon, culture bearer, world famous drummer, husband, father, grandfather, friend, and instructor—suffered a devastating medical emergency. The incident occurred while on his way to make groceries, and by the grace of god he was able to pull over and avoid causing any more harm to himself or others. Within minutes, his wife arrived on the scene, and swiftly transported Shannon to UMC, where he was met by a remarkable trauma team.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Upon his arrival, the medical staff discovered Shannon had suffered a hemorrhagic stroke, caused by bleeding in the brain. While administering life saving care for the initial medical emergency, Shannon then suffered a heart attack that reduced his heart function down to 20%, resulting in congestive heart failure and leaving him with numerous blood clots.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Currently, Shannon remains in recovery surrounded by his family; he is thankful to be alive but faces a challenging and uncertain road to recovery.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>We are reaching out through this GoFundMe campaign to seek your support for Shannon’s numerous financial needs during this incredibly difficult time.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>The funds raised will be used to cover:
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>-Loss of Income: As Shannon, provider for his household, is unable to work, we need assistance to cover his lost wages.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>-Medical Expenses: The cost of emergency care, surgeries, and ongoing treatment.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>-Long-Term Care: Future medical needs, rehabilitation and continued home health care as he works towards recovery.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Shannon Powell has always been a fixture in the New Orleans music and culture bearer community and an inspiration to drummers across the world. While his journey ahead is daunting, we are deeply grateful that he is still with us. Your prayers and well-wishes are greatly appreciated as we navigate this challenging period.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Please consider contributing to Shannon’s fund and sharing his story with others. Any support, whether financial or emotional, means the world to us. We will continue to provide updates on his condition as he progresses.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Thank you for your love kindness, generosity, and for standing by Shannon during his time of need. It takes a village.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>*financial transparency statement from the Powell family:
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>This campaign is to raise funds for the beneficiary, Lucritia Powell, Shannon’s wife and partner of 50+ years.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>All funds raised will be used solely to support Shannon and his family financially. This will include: uncovered medical bills, rehabilitation costs, personal bills, short term and long term and ongoing care. 
</div>

Support Shannon Powell's “King of Treme” Road to Recovery

<div>Dear Friends,
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Our good friend Johnny Raye Goode III left the world unexpectedly on August 1st. We are all absolutely devastated by his passing. Johnny brought so much joy and warmth into our lives and his legacy will live on through his children, Johnny IV and Lilly, and the so many people he inspired in the lighting design community.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Johnny's obituary can be found here:
</div>
<div><a href="https://www.ridoutsbrownservicefh.com/obits" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.ridoutsbrownservicefh.com/obits" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.ridoutsbrownservicefh.com/obits</a></a>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>A celebration of life will be held Friday, August 9th, 2024, at 2PM at Ridout’s Brown Funeral Home in Decatur, AL.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>There will be an additional celebration of life service, held in Denver, CO announced in the near future.  
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Johnny's friends and I have started a GoFundMe campaign to collect donations for the costs involved for the end of life service and for his children and family to have some comfort during this truly challenging time.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Please consider donating if you are able to do so. We are so very grateful for every donation during this difficult time.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>With love,
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Friends &amp; Family
</div>

Support Johnny Raye Goode III's Memorial

<div>Today, Memorial Day, in 90-degree heat (with a heat index of 103(!) thanks to the humidity), I watched a 90-year-old UNITED STATES AIR FORCE VETERAN collect and push shopping carts at a Metairie, Louisiana grocery store. Back and forth, back and forth, stacking cart after cart, sometimes more than twenty at a time, Mr. Dillon McCormick pulled and pushed his way through the maze of cars. I watched a few others help him and thought the best way I might help would be to share his story. My name is Karen Swensen (Ronquillo) and I am a former news reporter in New Orleans, LA. 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Mr. McCormick is working to EAT, he said. He needs $2500/month to live and says he only gets $1100 from social security. So he must push carts in triple digit heat to make ends meet.</strong> He had the kindest smile and greatest attitude. He is grateful for his job and his work ethic speaks for itself.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>He pushes carts for HOURS. I met regular shoppers who say they see him doing this "all the time." Some, like a 73-year-old man with a limp, get out to help him. Many do double takes.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Mr. McCormick's mom lived to be 104. His said his grandmother was an Irish immigrant who came over to America in the late 1800's as an indentured servant after slavery was abolished. He is not afraid of hard work but he's tired. And hungry. And frustrated.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>He is a veteran of the United States Military.</strong> It's Memorial Day. It's hot. Mr. McCormick was born in 1933, making him a part of the Silent Generation. Please, America, let us be his voice. We can do this. No donation is too small. If we could raise even enough for him to retire for a year, it's something. Thank you!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>P.S.  I set up the gofundme account for him in my married name that is why you'll see Karen Ronquillo. Sorry for any confusion. 
</div>

Help U.S. Air Force Veteran DILLON MCCORMICK retire at 90!!!

<div>Hi, my name is Dale. I'm raising money to help the safe return of my father after attempted mugging and beating in New Orleans During his trip from Washington State to Alabama to visit my sister to help with her husband's funeral. He is currently in the hospital. Fighting a severe concussion fractured Eye socket and a fractured jaw. We are asking for anything people can spare to help. Get him home and then to further help pay his medical expenses. Thank you in advance, we wouldn't ask if we didn't need it. 
</div>

Post accident safe return home

<div><strong>**UPDATE:</strong> This fundraiser was initially established to support a toy drive for Damar’s community, sponsored by the Chasing M’s Foundation. However, it has received renewed support in light of Damar’s current battle and we can’t thank all of you enough. Your generosity and compassion mean the world to us.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>As representatives of Damar, the team at Jaster Athletes posted the fundraiser updates and will work with the Hamlin family, The Chasing M's Foundation, and the GoFundMe team to ensure the safe delivery of funds.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Damar created The Chasing M’s Foundation to use as a vehicle to bring lasting impact to his community. The foundation supports toy drives, back-to-school drives, kids camps, and more. We're hopeful about Damar's future involvement in disbursing the incredibly generous contributions.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>This is the only current fund that is being used by the Hamlin Family. We appreciate your understanding as we give them the time and space they need to focus on Damar's health first.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Again, thank you for your thoughts, prayers and support during this time. <strong>UPDATE**</strong>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>------------------------------------------------------------
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>As I embark on my journey to the NFL, I will never forget where I come from and I am committed to using my platform to positively impact the community that raised me. I created The Chasing M's Foundation as a vehicle that will allow me to deliver that impact, and the first program is the 2020 Community Toy Drive.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>This campaign gives you the opportunity to contribute to our first initiative and positively impact children who have been hardest hit by the pandemic. 100% of the funds raised will go toward the purchase of toys for kids in need.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>If you are not able to contribute monetarily, you can support this initiative in other ways. We are accepting donated toys at the Daycare Center or simply spread the word by sharing this fundraiser on your social channels.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Thank you so much for supporting me on and off the field. I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with you to help make the holiday season a little brighter for the kids in our community.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Damar Hamlin
</div>
<div>The Chasing M's Foundation
</div>

The Chasing M's Foundation Community Toy Drive

<div>As Kasson explained in his story, he is fighting a lot of internal battles during his recovery from last year's attack. In addition to the mental trauma, he is now blind in both eyes with no light perception. One of the biggest tragedies of Kasson's story is how underserved he has been, both by society and the justice system. Both he and his family are now facing significant financial challenges, which have been made much more dire by Kasson's inability to work at the moment. <br /><strong><br /></strong>Kasson worked as a bartender and server for over a decade and has over 15 years in the food service industry. But due to his blindess, he is unable to work in the field where he has gained this experience. He'll need school and vocational training. We want to give him time, space, and security as he rethinks his future steps and develops an entirely new skillset. We'd like to find him new housing. Currently Kasson's family lives in one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in NYC. We want him to be in a place that he feels safe being outside, so that he can explore and integrate into the community. We think this will be a huge step toward rebuilding his mental health.  <br /><br />In addition to these pressing needs, it would be nice to give Kasson a few years of security as he recovers from a total loss of income. If you have been moved by his story, and would like to assist in his rehabilitation, please consider making a contribution.<strong><br /></strong>
</div>

Let's Help Kasson Get On His Feet

Friday night after a gig, three drivers in a stolen vehicle over corrected and drove at 70 miles per hour into Mike Dillon’s airstream and his wife’s little truck. The drivers proceeded to hold Mike Dillon, Brian Haas, and Ginny Mac at gun point. As you can see in the images, both vehicles are destroyed. They insured but the labor, time, and love invested are not replaceable.<img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/57165325_1621782552754024_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" alt="57165325_1621782552754024_r.jpeg" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/57165325_1621779133156937_r.jpeg" alt="57165325_1621779133156937_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />

Help Mike Dillon Replace an Airstream and Truck

<p>We need your help. On behalf of the Vilkhu's and the entire SAFFRON NOLA team, we are raising money to benefit Khalsa Aid International USA Inc, and any donation will help make an impact. Your donation will help provide basic human care as India is in a health crisis. If you love our food and culture we ask you to give in a  desperate time of need. Anything helps. We love you.
</p>
<p><br />
</p>
<p>Love, 
</p>
<p>The Vilkhu's and the entire SAFFRON NOLA team
</p>
<p><br />
</p>
<p>More information about Khalsa Aid International USA Inc: Khalsa Aid is an international NGO with the aim to provide humanitarian aid in disaster areas and civil conflict zones around the world. The organization is based upon the Sikh principle of "Recognize the whole human race as one".
</p>

SAFFRON NOLA FOR INDIA

On April 11th, our 20-year-old son, Daunte Wright Sr., was fatally shot and killed by a Brooklyn Center police officer during a routine traffic stop. Our family is distraught as we struggle to understand why our loved one was taken away from us in such a senseless manner.  <br /><br />All funds raised through this site will go towards covering funeral and burial expenses, mental health and grief counseling for Daunte's family,  to help the Wright family in their fight for justice, and to provide support for family.  100% of the funds raised on this site will go to the Wright family. NO PART OF THESE FUNDS WILL BE USED TOWARDS LEGAL FEES.  The road to justice is very long, and the Wright family will not let what happened to Daunte be forgotten. The officer(s) who took his life must be held responsible. <br /><br />Frequently Asked Questions:<br /><br />1. Who am I and how am I related to the Daunte Wright, Sr.? The fund was established by Kelly Bryant (Daunte’s aunt), and is being managed by Adner Marcelin of Ben Crump Law.  <br /><br />2. Can I contribute to the family’s legal fund? No. While our family appreciates your generosity, our family is unable to accept money for the purposes of legal fees. All funds designated for such purposes will be returned.<br /><br />3. Are there other ways I can contribute to the Wright family? Yes.  Anyone wishing to send cards, letters of encouragement or contributions in the form of a check may do so by mail at:<br /><br /> <br />The Daunte Wright Memorial Fund<br />c/o Ben Crump Law, PLLC<br />122 S. Calhoun Street<br />Tallahassee, FL 32301<br />Attn: Adner Marcelin<br /><br />Please note that all checks, cashier’s checks and/or money orders must be made payable to: Katie Wright  <br /><br />4. How will the funds be transferred to the family? 100% percent of funds raised through this site will be transferred to the Wright family in an account designated by Daunte’s parents. The funds will be managed and spent at the parents' sole discretion, and they will have 100% ownership rights of all funds collected here.<br /><br />5. Who can I call if I have questions about this fund &amp; to whom should inquiries be directed? If anyone needs further information or has concerns about this campaign, please contact Adner Marcelin of Ben Crump Law, PLLC. Members of the general public may email [email redacted]. All media inquiries should be sent to [email redacted] using their official work e-mail. Any non-media requests sent to this email will be discarded.

The Daunte Wright Sr. Memorial Fund

<strong>Cristy and Sebastian need a break.</strong> Since you’re just coming from reading their story-- I don’t need to elaborate much. But they've carried such a heavy load, for so long. They’ve been living hand to mouth over the past year-and-a-half. Unpaid medical bills are piling up. Unpaid rent is piling up. And they are stretched to their limits because there’s no money to hire employees.<br /><br />They are the kind of people where a little help goes a long way. Both of them are so talented. Both of them are so hard working. The fact that they’ve managed to open a new restaurant during a pandemic, and survive for the past sixteen months—is a testament to their determination and the quality of Cristy’s food.<br /><br />But they've had so many bad breaks in life. (Or as Sebastian would say, 'challenges  to make you go deeper.') The stress is reaching a breaking point. The instability is killing them, especially with five daughters at home. We just need to get this weight off their shoulders for long enough for them  to breathe a little, and find their footing. As Sebastian told me: ‘We just need a little push, and we are ready to row.’ (He then added five rower emojis.) <br /><br />Cristy and Sebastian have been keeping the faith for so long. Through so much.<br /><strong>Please consider becoming part of part of their story, and part of their blessing.</strong>

Cristy and Sebastian Need A Break

<img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/54435478_1612678294394709_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" alt="54435478_1612678294394709_r.jpeg" /><br /> <br />
<p style="font-size:12px;line-height:normal;font-family:Helvetica;"><br />
</p>
<p style="font-size:12px;line-height:normal;font-family:Helvetica;"><a href="https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/amp/news/story/lawyer-family-girl-injured-pre-super-bowl-crash-76194769?__twitter_impression=true"><a href="https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/amp/news/story/lawyer-family-girl-injured-pre-super-bowl-crash-76194769?__twitter_impression=true" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/amp/news/story/lawyer-family-girl-injured-pre-super-bowl-crash-76194769?__twitter_impression=true</a></a>
</p><br />This is my cousins beautiful daughter 5 year old  Ariel Young. <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/54435478_1612603354251886_r.jpeg" alt="54435478_1612603354251886_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />A little after 9 pm Thursday night 5 year old Ariel, her mother, aunt and 4 year old cousin were out helping a family member who ran out of gas near I-435 and Stadium Drive. While helping her relative a Ram pickup truck driven by the <u>Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach Britt Reid <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/54435478_1612678329571562_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" alt="54435478_1612678329571562_r.jpeg" /></u><br />crashed into the vehicles on the side of the road. Reid admitted to police officers that he had “two or three drinks” and was on prescription adderall. Ariel suffered swelling in and bleeding in and around the brain. She is in critical condition and hasn’t woken since the crash. Her cousin 4 year old, Julianna sustained a broken nose and concussion. Julianna is traumatized but now at home resting and healing from her injuries. <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/54435478_161260340425742_r.jpeg" alt="54435478_161260340425742_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />Ariel’s mother is a working mom with two other children, one of which is a baby that she also has to be away from. Ariel will be in the hospital for the foreseeable future, this page is set up for the hospital bills, weeks of missed work that will come and any other expenses this causes her. The last thing any mother dealing with something like this should have to worry about is the financials. No child deserves to go through this, nor should any mother have to see her child like this. We appreciate any support that is given right now. To help get the word out please share the link on your Facebook profile. <br /><br />Thank you.<br /><br />Please note, I set this page up on their behalf, her mother has full access to all of the funds I had approval from her mother to make this page for her.

Ariel(5yrs) critically hurt in suspected DUI crash

I was interviewed on CNN and got so much support from thousands of people, so many asked for a Go Fund Me so here it is. Every penny is another course in college or me saving it for years to come. I might be kicked out of my house due to my involvement in my dad's case, so every cent might help me survive. Thank you so much. Seriously

Jackson Reffitt college fund

<p><br />We are Catholic Sisters from Iowa, now living in New Orleans, <br />who live and work in Central City and LOVE Mardi Gras!<img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/53177516_1607569328659922_r.jpeg" alt="53177516_1607569328659922_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br /><strong>We know that the Mardi Gras Celebration will be different this <br />year so we want to do our best to stay safe and keep the <br />Celebration Alive!!<br /><br />We are raising funds  to “Hire a Mardi Gras Artist” to decorate<br />our home.  This will help the artists who are struggling  <br />financially because of Covid-19.<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/53177516_1607570631538387_r.jpeg" alt="53177516_1607570631538387_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /></strong>
</p>

<p><span style="font-weight:900;">Art and culture is the heartbeat of our great City. The artists <br />bring joy, creativity and beauty to every neighborhood.  In a <br />world filled with suffering, the float artists bring a creative way <br />to help us enjoy life for a moment. </span>
</p>

<p><br />Please  support our efforts to help the artists, bring JOY to our <br />neighborhood and keep the Mardi Gras celebration alive!!
</p>

<p><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/53177516_1607606830591500_r.jpeg" alt="53177516_1607606830591500_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />Sister Julie and Sister Mary Lou on the parade route!<br /><br /><br />For more information follow this link <br /><br /><a href="http://www.hireamardigrasartist.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.hireamardigras<br /></a>
</p>

<p> 
</p>

10,000

Yesterday morning, on Monday, November 16, 2020, Scott was awoken by screaming coming from the street outside of my home in New Orleans.  He looked outside and saw flames shooting up from the home across the street from mine.  We could hear the children that live there screaming for their grandmother.<br /><br />The house across the street is home to three generations of an African American New Orleans family that have been living in the home for decades (at least four).  There is a grandmother, her son and five children that live mainly in the home (ranging from very young to early 20's).  We have known then for nearly the entire lives of the children and since they lost their mother (the gentleman's sister) many years ago.  They are a wonderful family and Grandma takes care of the kids while her son earns a living.  The kids have always called Scott "Mr. Scott" and Beth "Miss Beth" and are smart, respectful and friendly to all in our neighborhood.  This family is far from wealthy and clearly struggle to care for each other as best they can.  Grandma's son cares for our whole block and is the guy that cuts the grass around here and cleans out our storm drains.  Our whole block knows and cares for them deeply.  They are what the fabric of New Orleans is and should be.<br /><br />We raced outside and found the children outside screaming and crying that their grandmother was trapped inside.  A kind jogger passing by (Christian) was getting to the neighbor's yard as we were.  He broke the window Grandma was behind as Scott assembled a crude way to stand up at the level of the home to get Grandma out of the home.  Together, this amazing passerby and Scott were barely able get her out of the window and across a fence to get Grandma safely out of the house before the smoke overcame the room she was in and we got her and the children to safety.  The fire department arrived and began working on the house and as they broke down the door, the entire right side of the home was engulfed in flames and thick black smoke.  That side of the home is a burnt shell now and the other side is not much better off.<br /><br />This family could not afford insurance on the home and their taxes were just raised significantly.  They already faced deferred maintenance issues and were facing a tough economy.  This fire resulted in severe damages and the need to repair a significant amount of fire damage that will likely need them to bring many systems of their home up to code.  We are appealing to ALL that see this to help us help them get back into their home.<br /><br />We are trying to raise $25,000 for them because we think that will be a great start to get them back in their home, but we hope to help them raise much more.  The picture above is a simple sign of the significant damages inside the home (that we will not go back into until I know it is safe).  Any other help from building materials to labor help to whatever people can assist with will be welcomed for this proud family who has, until now, worked very hard to "take care of their own."  We hope it is NOLA can now take care of their own as well.  Please consider helping this wonderful family that has ALWAYS lent a hand if needed, extended a smile and a "hello" to their "block family" and are most assuredly in deep need and without options.<br /><br />In closing, we choose to keep them anonymous for them because some of them are minors and all are VERY traumatized by the incident.  They have encountered so much loss in their lives, Beth and I would like to help try and fix this one with them.  We are happy to speak and engage with ANYONE who might consider the need to dig deeper and find out more about them to help.  <br /><br />Thank you and at this time when things are difficult for many, we understand if you cannot help.  Many of you already join us on our other fund raising events annually and we thank you for that.  However, this one is truly an ask for our community.<br /><br />Scott and Beth Galante<br />Bouligny West Riverside<br />New Orleans, Louisiana

Three Generations Lost Their Home

Early this year, I was walking home from the gym on a particularly cold day. I was still dressed in my running clothes. And as I neared my home, I passed by a 76-year old woman dressed in a floor length faux mink coat. She was gripping tightly to a railing. ‘You look great,’ I told her.  Then she pointed at my own clothes— ‘Let me ask you a question,’ she said. ‘Why is it always white boys who wear shorts in the winter?’<br /><br />And thus began my friendship with Stephanie. One of Stephanie's more endearing  traits is that she will launch into a wild story within seconds of meeting a person-- often before customary greetings are exchanged. And that's exactly what she did. She began telling me stories from the 1970's, when she worked as a burlesque dancer named Tanqueray. Her memory for detail was amazing, and she had a singular way of describing things. Stephanie will say the wildest things without a hint of self-consciousness. It really has a way of drawing you in. And after she'd been going for about five minutes, I interrupted for long enough to ask if I could run to my house and get my camera.  <br /><br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/51307760_1600541509357281_r.jpeg" alt="51307760_1600541509357281_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br /><br />The resulting interview went quite viral, as many of you will remember. And Stephanie had a lot of fun with it.  People were stopping her on the street all day long. And Stephanie loves an audience-- even if it’s just an audience of one. So anyone who stopped her for a selfie would leave ten minutes later with an earful of stories. And what stories they were.  Nobody has lived a life like Stephanie’s. The two of us agreed to meet regularly at a nearby diner, so I could get her whole story down on paper. We did about twenty interviews together. Our initial plan was to create a podcast. But after we'd gone quite a distance down that path, circumstances suddenly changed. <br /><br />Stephanie has been in pain for as long as I've known her. When we first met she was walking with a cane. And every time we walked to the diner, she'd grip tightly to my arm. Even then-- it would take us fifteen minutes to travel half a block. She’d wince in pain whenever she was jostled or bumped. Occasionally she’d scream out. It was clear that something was seriously wrong with her leg. She attributed the injury to a bad fall that she'd suffered a few months earlier, but she seemed confident that she was on the mend. When the pandemic started, Stephanie and I continued our conversations over the phone. She would call me several times a day. And whenever I didn't answer, she'd always leave a voicemail—usually telling me some story she’d just remembered. Last month I grew concerned when a few days passed without hearing from her. I called a neighbor to check up on her, and he heard Stephanie's voice coming from the back bedroom. She'd taken a bad fall and had been on the floor for 72 hours without food or water. The EMTs broke down her door and took her to the hospital. <br /><br />Ever since the fall, Stephanie has been unable to stand or walk. She is in a lot of pain. She's always been  a private person in many ways, but the current crisis has necessitated a candor about her situation. We’ve hired a team of professionals to make her apartment clean and comfortable. We’ve gotten her a 24-hour home health aide. She now has a physical therapist coming to the apartment multiple times a week.  And we're working on handling the back rent and eviction notices. Her health is not improving as quickly as we'd like, but Stephanie remains absolutely convinced that she is on the mend. Unfortunately her unorthodox lifestyle hasn't qualified her for social security. And she doesn’t currently have insurance. (Though we're trying to get her signed up for Medicare.) Her care is extremely expensive. So far I’ve been using funds from the HONY Patreon, but it’s not sustainable long term.   <br /><br />Stephanie and I have decided to scrap our idea of making a podcast. And I’ve spent the last few weeks retooling the story for publication on Humans of New York. Our plan is to raise funds for Stephanie’s care alongside the telling of her story. The ultimate goal is for Stephanie to live the rest of her life on her own terms. Maybe that means an assisted living facility. Maybe that means remaining in her apartment with the assistance of a home health aide. I’m not sure. But I want to provide her with enough resources so that it’s her decision, and not a decision forced upon her. But I’m not viewing this as charity. Stephanie brings a priceless resource to the table—her story. We're just going to tell that story using a new model.  Instead of selling advertising, or selling it to a publisher, we’re asking for voluntary contributions from anyone who’s gotten value from Stephanie’s narrative. If the story of her life has made you laugh, or cry, or think—please consider compensating the person who lived it. Because right now her story is the one thing she has to offer.<br /><br />We are being very thoughtful with the money. Stephanie knows that there are risks involved with publicly raising funds for a person in her vulnerable situation. So with her blessing, we will be placing the money in a trust to ensure that it provides sustainable, long term care. The trust will cover her living expenses and health care needs moving forward. (Which will admittedly be quite extensive.) And at Stephanie’s request, any money remaining at the end of her life will be donated to <a href="https://www.a-b-c.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Association To Benefit Children</a> —a highly respected New York charity dedicated to helping the city’s most vulnerable children.<br /><br />Please consider joining us as we seek to transform Stephanie’s life.<br /><br /><br />----------------------------------------------------------<br />Humans of New York is audience supported.<br />If you would like to support Humans of New York, you can do so by joining the <a href="https://www.patreon.com/humansofnewyork" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patreon. </a><br />Or by <a href="https://bit.ly/PreorderHumans" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preordering Humans </a>, which will be published on October 6th.<br /><br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/51307760_1600634161839896_r.jpeg" alt="51307760_1600634161839896_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />

The Tanqueray Trust

<p>Second update for today 8/31:<br /><br />Today we spoke to Juana’s new accountant - a wonderful and reputable licensed professional that will help her manage her funds. Tomorrow after all of the contracts are signed and the money is available to be set up for withdrawal, I will provide you all with her accountant’s EIN for you to personally verify, and her contact information where you could request statements for transparency on how her funds are being used. Because of this huge new step and the hundreds of messages I’ve received to allow for more donations, I have decided to enable donations again. The girls deserve it all and my heart is just filled with so much joy for this family. I can’t thank you all enough for making so many of their dreams a reality.<br /><br />Thank you, <br /><br />Jackie
</p>

<p>—————————————————————————<br />An update from myself: <br /><br />I started this campaign in an effort to help Juana gather funds for a couple months of rent to help her get back on her feet as moving expenses can be really expensive. I truly did not expect this amount of help to roll in for Juana and her girls. We are speechless and filled with gratitude over the amount of money that has been raised for them. I’m currently working on setting her up with a trustful accountant to help her manage her funds. There is a lot of behind the scenes she needs help with. I’ve been getting a lot of messages accusing me of forcing her to receive help and I just wanted to clarify that the use of “insisted to help her” was because she was embarrassed of us entering her living space to help her pack her things because she said she didn’t tidy it up before us coming over. We insisted she let us help her pack her things because it was too much work for someone to do on their own. <br /><br />Today I was also sent a Cease &amp; Desist letter from Richard Gebin the Communications and Public Relations Officer from the Salinas City Elementary School District for my use of the photo of the girls which is why I removed it. 
</p>

<p><br />I paused the campaign in an effort to provide clarity and to get her connected with the right people to help her manage her funds. Thank you all for your generous amount of donations and all the love you have shown her and her girls. They are grateful and filled with so much hope for tomorrow and their future which was my ultimate goal.<br /><br />XO Jackie 
</p>

<p><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/50847742_1598918807822409_r.jpeg" alt="50847742_1598918807822409_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />
</p>

<p>————————————————————————-<br /><br />Hello, I am starting this GFM for the girls - the dedicated little girls that didn’t want to miss out on learning due to the fact that they didn’t have internet access at home so they walked to the Taco Bell near where they were staying at to use the WIFI. Their story touched me so much I made it my mission to find them and with an anonymous tip from a neighbor I was able to locate them.<br /><br />Juana is a single mom to three smart and outgoing little girls. She is an essential worker that works in the fields picking berries. She is a dedicated mother that works hard to provide for them. On her days off from work she sells flowers on the side of the road. When field work is off-season she walks around Salinas selling ice-cream, snacks and candy. She doesn’t take a day off because that is a day she could be making a few dollars to provide for her girls. <br /><br />Upon meeting them and wanting to know what I can do to help she started to open up to me. I asked her if I could get her girls a desk for distant learning and she mentioned there was no space in their home for that. She then said she shared a small bedroom with her 3 girls in the home she was living in. The same room she was going to be evicted from 3 days later on the 1st of September. I asked her if she already had plans for moving and she said she had no where to go but that she had been eagerly searching to no avail. I then realized that those same little girls that not only needed internet, clothes and school supplies now needed a home too. So I reached out to my followers on Instagram for help and we have been able to provide them with clothes, shoes, school supplies, essentials and food. <br /><br />Thanks to help from donations and Flor (@flowerinspanish) we were also able to get her a week in a hotel room for her and her girls while we help her search for a more permanent place to live. For now they are safe but they need as much help as they can get. Thank you for helping change their lives. All children deserve a happy place to live and because of their dedication, these little girls deserve a safe space to learn. We appreciate every single one of you for helping making that happen.
</p>

<p><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/50847742_1598851773130937_r.jpeg" alt="50847742_1598851773130937_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />
</p>

<p><br /><br />
</p>

Help for the girls - Salinas

<div>On August 23rd my son was shot multiple times in the back by a Kenosha Police Department officer, after my son broke up an altercation by an unrelated party. The shooting has now left my son critically injured as he fights for his life. The extent of my son’s injuries is unknown, but we remain prayerful as he continues to undergo multiple rounds of operations to save his life.This fund is established to cover my son’s medical expenses, mental and grief counseling for our family and to assist our family in the days to come, as we continue to seek justice for Jacob. A portion of these proceeds will also be used to benefit my son’s 6 children, some of whom witnessed this horrific act of violence. Anyone wishing to send cards, letters of encouragement and/or contributions in the form of a money order or check, may do so by mail at: Edifye C/O Julia Jackson 330 N Wabash Ave FL 23 Chicago IL 60611
</div>

Justice for Jacob Blake

Lucien Barbarin is a beloved New Orleans jazz trombonist who has captivated audiences around the world with his work in the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Harry Connick, Jr., and many other New Orleans jazz luminaries. To all his fans and anyone interested in helping protect the legacy of New Orleans traditional jazz: Lucien needs your help.<br /> <br />Lucien has been fighting stage IV cancer since he first learned of his illness in March 2018, and it’s time to take more extraordinary measures. Unfortunately, even with medical insurance, the cost of medical care and the inability to work during this round of treatment is taking a toll. This has been a long fight, and his resolve to continue the fight is strong.<br /> <br />Please help Lucien fight cancer! Thank you all so much.

Love for Lu: Help Lucien Barbarin fight cancer!