Published on February 10, 2016

Last Thursday, Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans announced that the 2015 Archbishop Hannan Community Appeal has surpassed its $1.7 million goal, raising a record $2,002,406.00.   The announcement was made by Sr. Marjorie Hebert, CEO of Catholic Charities, at the St. Mary of the Angels Head Start Center as children, their parents, family members, and AHCA campaign volunteers gathered to celebrate the court of kings and queens and kick off the annual Head Start Mardi Gras parade.

“Celebrating a successful AHCA campaign with the children and families we serve is a fitting reminder of our important work in the community,” said Sr. Marjorie Hebert.  “This accomplishment would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of our volunteer leaders, brothers Clifton and Price LeBlanc, along with their wives Elizabeth and Christine, and the hundreds of volunteers who have been devoted to this important effort.”

This year, the AHCA honored the late Archbishop Philip Hannan and marked 50 years of faithfulness to the annual campaign that allows Catholic Charities to meet the pressing and immediate needs of children, families and seniors across the Greater New Orleans Community.  The AHCA raises funds that support Catholic Charities’ network of more than 30 ministries, programs and community partnerships which serve the homeless, hungry and elderly, at-risk youth, pregnant women, individuals with developmental delays, and many others.

Of every dollar contributed to the AHCA, 94 cents is spent on program services, care and goods.

Following the announcement, the Dr. Seuss-themed parade, led by the Akili marching band, took to the parade route.  Young krewe members pulled colorfully decorated wagons and homemade floats as they danced, waved and tossed throws to parade-goers who lined the route.

“Our annual neighborhood Mardi Gras parade is a treasured tradition for our children, their parents, and the neighborhood alike,” said Sr. Marjorie Hebert. “It is a fun and engaging way to share and experience New Orleans’ unique Mardi Gras culture and the blessings of those who make our work possible for so many in need.”