Giving Back to New Orleans
One of the traditions we're most proud of is giving back to the city that has welcomed so many of us over the years. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our participants, last year we were able to donate nearly $10,000 to St. Michael Special School, making it our most successful charitable effort to date.
This year, we're proud to support The Roots of Music, a New Orleans nonprofit that empowers local youth through music education, academic support, and mentorship while preserving the city's unique musical heritage. Serving children ages 3–18 from low-income households, The Roots of Music provides music instruction, meals, transportation, and academic support year-round.
As a parade built around the music and culture that make New Orleans so special, we can think of no better partner. A portion of every registration will be donated directly to The Roots of Music, and participants will also have the opportunity to make an additional contribution during registration.
This year's event will be benefitting
The Roots of Music
We believe music has the power to transform lives. The Roots of Music empowers the youth of New Orleans through music education, academic support, and mentorship, while preserving and promoting the unique musical and cultural heritage of our city.
Our program provides music history and theory as well as instrumental instruction and ensemble performance preparation. We serve kids ages 3-18 from low-income households, and provide our students with hot meals and round-trip transportation to reduce common barriers to participation. Five days a week, 12 months a year, our program delivers over 2,500 hours of music education and other academic tutoring, over 30,400 nutritious hot meals, 1,400 bus journeys, and supplies over 150 instruments for student use.