Generosity of St. Tammany Parish Citizens Evident at Sweet Soiree
Stone Creek Club & Spa was the host of the annual fundraiser for Adapting and Changing Children’s Environments with Successful Solutions (ACCESS) on June 14, 2014 from 7:30pm – 11:00pm. Louisiana ACCESS began in 2010 as a non-profit organization which raises money for
children with disabilities. The money is then given to families in need in the form of a grant. The purpose of these grants is to provide parents who were not able to buy important assistance equipment through their private insurance or Medicaid plans.
“With the funds ACCESS raises through events such as Sweet Soiree, we are able to purchase such items as walkers, wheelchairs, augmentative communication devices, adaptive bicycles, hospital beds, wheelchair lifts for cars and vans and home modifications to name a few,” said Dr. Aaron Karlin, founder and chairman of the ACCESS board of directors. “Without these financial grants, these children and their families may not have been able to purchase these items,” Karlin said. “This can make a significant impact, lifting some of the financial burden from these families, which I feel, are grossly underserved statewide and, really, nationally.”
Equipment has been purchased through the use of these grants for children who suffer from physically and mentally debilitating diseases such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, stroke and autism. Since the organization’s inception in 2010, over $70,000 has been given out to parents to purchase what they need to care for their children. ACCESS not only holds the Sweet Soiree annually, but they also have another event scheduled in October, 2014 called the Boo Fest which will also raise funds for children.
Live music and local food was served at the event with performances by Amanda Shaw and the Cute Guys, Rockin’ Dopsie, Kermit Ruffins, Batiste Father & Sons of New Millennium with David, Jamal, Ryan and Damon Batiste, James Andrews, Mike “Soulman” Baptiste, and the Free Agents Brass Band. Additional entertainment was provided by the Mardi Gras Indians, the Zulu Connection Stilt Walkers, the 610 Stompers, and other special guests. 15 restaurants were there to serve food to the guests. The event also featured a live auction.
St. Tammany Parish is home to many generous and caring families and businesses that regularly attend fundraisers such as these as well as donate much time and money to the many medical, mental health, and economic causes throughout the parish. If you are considering relocating to South Louisiana, you should consider making your home on the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain at Bedico Creek Preserve in Madisonville, Louisiana. To find out more about buying a new home or purchasing a lot to build your new home in St. Tammany Parish, call 985-845-4200 or E-mail [email protected].
