Giving Back This Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time for gathering — with family, friends and neighbors. It’s filled with celebrations, traditions, and moments that invite us to pause and reflect on the year behind us.

One tradition that means a lot to me is giving back. As the year winds down, I like to take stock of everything I’m grateful for, like the incredible people I’ve worked with and the community that makes New Orleans such a special place. It’s also a time to support the organizations that work year-round to lift others up and strengthen our community.

Each year, I support several nonprofits whose missions resonate deeply with me. Whether they focus on animal rescue, housing, advocacy, or community support, these organizations are doing meaningful work — often quietly, often behind the scenes — and making a real difference in people’s lives.

This year, my giving also includes supporting literacy and education here in New Orleans. I’m proud to sponsor the donation of 76 copies of Scrim: My Tail, as Told to Margaret Orr, to second graders at Dr. Martin Luther King Elementary School. This is part of Margaret Orr’s effort to place a book in the hands of every local 2nd grader. In January, I’ll visit the class for a special reading with the students.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with warmth, gratitude, and giving!

Non-Profits I’m Supporting in 2025:

The mission of the LLS is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving cancer research and provides free information and counseling to patients navigating their cancer journey. 

WWNO (New Orleans Public Radio) is a member-supported station dedicated to sharing Southeast Louisiana’s stories through thoughtful journalism, cultural programming, and community-focused reporting.

Belle Reve was the first non-profit, assisted living facility of its kind to be licensed in the State of Louisiana, providing a home and full support services for low-income and homeless adults and families living with HIV/AIDS. 

Bridge House’s mission has been to provide no-cost substance-use disorder treatment services to those who have lost everything, treating over 800 homeless, indigent, uninsured, and/or unemployed men and women each year.

Zeus’ Rescues helps get stray animals out of high-kill metro shelters and into forever homes. And its sister facility, Zeus’ Place, has been serving the Greater New Orleans Area for over 17 years, providing a unique boarding, daycare, and grooming experience. 

Second Harvest Food Bank leads the fight against hunger in South Louisiana by providing food access, advocacy, education, and disaster response.

The Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation (ASDF) supports individuals and families impacted by autism through education, advocacy, and programs that help create more inclusive and supportive communities. 

The American Cancer Society works to improve the lives of people facing cancer through groundbreaking research, patient support, and education, while advocating for access to care and prevention.

The LGBTQ Endowment works to advance equity and inclusion by supporting programs and organizations that uplift LGBTQ+ individuals and families throughout our community.

God’s Love We Deliver is a non-sectarian organization that supports people living with serious illness by providing free, nutritious meals and nutrition services that help alleviate hunger and promote healing with dignity and care.

ADL (Anti-Defamation League) works to combat antisemitism, extremism, and hate in all forms while advocating for a more just, inclusive, and equitable society.

Atmos is a nonprofit media organization that explores the intersection of climate and culture through thoughtful journalism and creative storytelling, inspiring a deeper connection to nature and greater care for the planet.