NEW ORLEANS – The Aprés Lounge is bringing some altruism to the New Year as they team up with YFE Events to host a New Year’s Eve event benefiting Crescent City Charities on Saturday, Dec. 31. Attendees will be treated to a special celebrity guest performance along with an array of popular DJ’S at this black tie optional event. All proceeds will go towards Crescent City Charities’ mission to promote local youth activities and athletics.
Fellow New Orleanians, Matthew Campbell and Luke Wyckoff, created CCC this year with the goal to provide more for the children of New Orleans. They plan to work closely with the Jefferson Parish Recreational Department (JPRD) and New Orleans Recreational Department (NORD) assisting in the development of sports based parks.
“I’m a firm believer in sports playing an integral part in the positive development of our youth,” Campbell said. “In addition to team sports, simply getting our kids outdoors has a variety of benefits that we need to pass on.”
“Being an Eagle scout was one of the most important experiences in my life and it taught me many life lessons that have molded me into the person I am today,” Wycoff said. “With technology being as prevalent as it is, a lot of kids aren’t staying as active. So Matt and I wanted to create something that encouraged kids to get outside and be social.”
They plan to use the proceeds from New Year’s Eve event to put on an array of athletic clinics throughout the year in partnership with JPRD, NORD, as well as other local groups.
“New Orleans is my home, I grew up playing sports at Johnny Bright Playground and I wanted to be able to contribute to the future of New Orleans by investing and inspiring our youth,” Campbell said.
“When we were approached about this, it was a no-brainer to partner with YFE and CCC,” Shane Songy, owner of the Aprés Lounge and former Delgado baseball player, said. “I grew up here playing the same way, in the local playgrounds and I’m passionate about passing along those experiences.”
Doors to the event open at 9:00 p.m. Tickets are priced at $150.00 and grant access to an open bar as well as a complimentary Champagne toast at midnight as a thank you for your contribution. An array of food options will be available as well (not included in the ticket price).
Several local businesses have partnered by donating their products and services for a raffle that will help the cause. Those items, tickets to the event, as well as VIP. information is available here.