Press Release
Tuesday, April 02, 2024
Beignet Fest Foundation awards almost $76,000 in grants to support local autism programs
New ORLEANS (April 2, 2024) – On this World Autism Day, the Beignet Fest Foundation, dedicated to celebrating the rich cultural heritage of New Orleans while supporting nonprofit organizations that serve autistic youth and their families, is pleased to announce the distribution of $75,900 in grants to support local autism programs.
These grants signify the foundation’s ongoing commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals with autism, as well as its dedication to uplifting the vibrant communities of New Orleans.
With the proceeds from the 2023 Beignet Fest, grants are presented to Families Helping Families NOLA, Autism Society of Greater New Orleans, Prism Project (through FHF NOLA), Fish in a Tree, YMCA of Greater New Orleans, Community Sailing New Orleans, Upturn Arts, Excite All Stars, Moving Challenges, Raintree Children & Family Services, Easterseals Louisiana (Chartwell Center) and St. Therese Academy. The funds awarded will be used to support summer camps, adaptive swim lessons, resource coordination, art programs, computing programs for autistic youth, sensory story times and an online support group.
“We are thrilled to be able to award organizations that share our mission of supporting children with autism and their families,” said Sherwood Collins, executive director of the Beignet Fest Foundation. “The grants will enable these organizations to continue their invaluable work, providing essential resources, services and support to those on the autism spectrum.”
The recipients of the grants were carefully selected based on their demonstrated dedication to improving the lives of neurodiverse individuals in the community. Among the recipients of the grants are organizations that provide a wide range of services and support, including therapeutic interventions, educational programs, family counseling and community outreach initiatives.
“I want to thank the Beignet Fest Foundation for their contribution,” said Gage, a student at the FHF NOLA’s Computing for Youth with Autism program. “Your donation will help people like me to achieve my education and employment goals.”
For more information about the Beignet Fest Foundation and its grant programs, visit beignetfest.com or contact info@beignetfest.com.
Save the date for Beignet Fest, Saturday, Nov. 16 at City Park’s Festival Grounds. Tickets will go on sale this spring.
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*Editor’s Note: Click here for high-resolution images and B-Roll from Beignet Fest.
About Beignet Fest Foundation
Beignet Fest is a premier food festival in Louisiana that celebrates one of New Orleans’s most iconic dishes all in one place on one day. Proceeds from Beignet Fest benefit the Beignet Fest Foundation, which raises awareness and support for programs in Greater New Orleans that serve autistic youth and their families.
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