I recently had the opportunity to partner with Camp Pelican for their annual fundraiser. It is a worthy cause and we thought you should know a little bit about them too.
What is Pelicanpalooza & Camp Pelican?
Pelicanpalooza is an annual benefit concert to raise money for Camp Pelican. This year is our 10th year hosting this event. The Louisiana Pulmonary Disease Camp (Camp Pelican) is a non-profit organization that has been in existence since 1978. Camp Pelican has survived since then with the help of many volunteers who range from high school students to medical professionals, such as respiratory therapists, doctors and nurses. For the past 35 years, Camp Pelican has sponsored events for children afflicted with pulmonary disorders such as but not limited to Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma, and Ventilator assisted children. The primary activity is a week-long overnight summer camp program. Camp Pelican volunteers provide medical care and programming during this week-long camp. In addition, Camp Pelican is unique in that they are the only camp in the United States where a ventilator dependent child can attend without their caregiver having to attend with them. The children and their families who attend this week-long camp do so at no cost. Our campers do many different activities throughout the week such as swimming, canoeing, archery, arts & crafts, sports, attend a carnival, participate in a talent show, etc. At Camp Pelican, these campers do not experience limitations because of their medical needs. Camp Pelican also supports these families throughout the year by organizing picnics, camp reunions, and assistance to the families when needed.
Tell us a little bit about the fundraiser?
Pelicanpalooza is the main fundraiser for Camp Pelican. Without the successful fundraising efforts, we would not be able to continuously offer Camp Pelican as a FREE summer camp experience for these children. Pelicanpalooza is a kid friendly event held in Jefferson, LA, that offers local music, food, fun for kids, a silent auction and raffles.
Pelicanpalooza will be held on Sunday, August 12, 2012, at Southport Hall in Jefferson, LA. The doors open at 12:00 pm and the first band begins at 1:00 pm.
Entertainment will be provided by The Chee-Weez, 5 Finger Discount, Weathered, and The Topcats. Rockin Dopsie Jr. may make an appearance as well. Returning to emcee this year’s event is local comedian James Cusimano and Bayou 95.7 DJ, Nic the Stick.
The cover charge is $15.00, and all proceeds benefit Camp Pelican’s children with pulmonary disorders. Children under 12 get in for free. Also, there will be raffle drawings and silent auctions for various items such as gift certificates to local businesses, autographed items from a variety of celebrities, SeaWorld Tickets, tickets to various New Orleans attractions and hotel stays, and much more.
Jambalaya, hot dog, nachos and dessert from N.O.S.H. restaurant will be served. This year we are adding fried Twinkies, fried Oreos, fried Snickers, etc to the menu.
A separate room is available with activities for the kids such as arts & crafts, cookie decorating, and more. Also, New Orleans Hornets are sending out Hugo, the Honeybees and The Buzz Patrol to our event for some fan interaction and give-a-ways. They are also working on bring the Hornets Bookmobile so that any children attending our event can go on board and select a free book.
How can we support?
If you would like to help support Camp Pelican, monetary donations can be made out to Camp Pelican and mailed to:
Camp Pelican
P.O. Box 10235
New Orleans, LA 70181
Or, you can come out to Pelicanpalooza and show your support. Remember, 100% of the proceeds from this benefit concert go directly to Camp Pelican.
Where can we find you online?
camppelican.org or on Facebook