HAPPY HOLIDAYS, EVERYONE. Sorry, I needed to get that out of my system. If there’s one thing that excites me to my bones in life, it’s an open bar the holiday season. I love the cooler temps, the time with family and friends, and being reminded of all of the things I have to be thankful for. One thing I love most of all is helping those in need, especially during this time of the year. Tis the season for NOLA Kickstarters You Gotta Support: Part Deux!
You can find my first NOLA Kickstarter article here.
The New Orleans Tattoo Museum
Driven to re-archive and chronicle New Orleans’ tattoo history, we want to create a dynamic, living, interactive tattoo museum.
So What’s A Living Museum, Anyways?
A living tattoo museum is one where you can learn about the past and also get tattooed. The space is divided into three parts – Private Tattoo Studio, Contemporary Tattoo-Art Gallery, and Tattoo Museum/Archive. The idea is that the Gallery and Museum will draw on each other with rotating, locally themed shows in the Gallery based on pieces from the permanent collection in the Museum, and the Private Studio will keep the doors open. So you’ll be able to see history, pick up a painting and maybe even start your own personal ‘permanent’ collection!
This Kickstarter seems really, really cool, and if you’re into body art, I’m sure you’ll think so as well. All of the info is on their Kickstarter page, and I encourage you to read through it to get to know a little bit more about the overall concept and conception of this idea. It’s pretty cool! Here are a few pictures from it’s interior:
Give Light: Stories from Indigenous Midwives
PROJECTS GOAL
Give Light: Stories from Indigenous Midwives seeks to inspire, entertain, and spark dialogue and action regarding the future of maternity health and the role of midwives in contemporary society. Through an energetic outreach campaign, this film has the potential to educate women and medical professionals around the world – and in areas where even more restrictive legislation is proposed that would impact midwives’ rights.
This film can help to reignite the debate about the epidemic of cesarean births, as new statistic show that more than a third of the women giving birth in the United States today are having cesarean sections, many unnecessary.
That’s why we’re asking for YOU to help complete this film — and to stimulate the national conversation about the future of maternity health in the United States and beyond. Join us and let us together bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern technology.
Apparently, midwifery is becoming less and less recognized as an actual practice in today’s culture. Some midwives are being outlawed and persecuted for their practices, and their professions aren’t being treated as such to generate income. The goal of this kickstarter is to raise money to complete a film that brings awareness to midwife culture. So if you have an affinity for this specific practice or just really like childbirth (which is an interesting… infatuation), then I’d considered donating to this fundraiser!
Help Kurt and his family
A potential brother of Delta Sigma Pi and his family have just went through a tragedy. A few days ago, he lost his entire house to a fire. As brothers, we are called to reach out a helping hand in a time of need. Please help raise money for his faimily so that we can help contribute to the reconstruction of the house. Any amount will help and be greatly appreciated.
I saw this specific kickstarter on a friend’s Facebook page, and I knew I had to share it. As someone who has lost her house in a fire, I know the importance of the community coming together to help those in need. Though I don’t know Kurt personally, I do know that he and his family are deserving of help to build their lives back up. Remember, every little bit helps. Forgo your Peppermint Mocha from Starbucks one morning and donate to this instead.
Hebert Family Gastroschisis Fund
Adalynn Elena Hebert was born on 11/11/14. She was a precious and plump 8lb 6oz baby girl with one heck of a set of lungs. The only problem was that she was born with Gastroshisis – a rare birth defect that had gone unnoticed during the pregnancy and occurs in only 3 in every 10,000 births.
Gastroschisis occurs early during pregnancy when the muscles that make up the baby’s abdominal wall do not form correctly. A hole occurs which allows the intestines and other organs to extend outside of the body.
The road ahead of them is a long one and the cost is already stacking up. Since Adalynn is in New Orleans (away from their home in Gray, LA), they will not be able to work. Not only will they have astronomical hospital bills, but they will still have monthly bills and living expenses to worry about.
Like the previous kickstarter, I also found this one on my personal Facebook feed from a friend of mine. This is her little cousin. As the big sister of a brother who was in and out of the hospital for the first few months of his life, I feel compelled to share this story and strongly recommend donating. Each life, no matter the age, is precious.
3rd Annual Christmas Toy Drive Fund
For the past 3 years I have collected toys and donations to buy toys for the sick children in the hospital for Christmas. You wouldn’t believe the smiles I get on Christmas Eve when I deliver those toys to the kids. It’s heartbreaking. Some kids are so sick that they cannot leave the hospital and enjoy Christmas with their family.. So I bring Christmas to them. Please help me make a difference in a child’s life this Christmas.
Whether you want to accept it or not, we’re in the midst of the holiday season. This is time where we enjoy the company of our family, friends and loved ones. Oftentimes, we forget about those who are unable to have a Christmas, whether that be caused by financial issues, medical issues, etc. This is where you come in! Please consider donating either a gift or a few bucks to this kickstarter to bring a glimmer of hope to these ill children on Christmas Eve. Also, if you’re wanting to give back in a more hands on manner, I recommend checking out some local churches around your area. Many of them have canned food/toy drives and are always looking for volunteers for various events, especially around the holiday season. You won’t regret giving back. I promise you that.
There are so many ways that you can support the people in our beloved city. I know I tend to keep things fun and lighthearted on Red Beans and Life, but it’s time to get serious about community support. Giving back is one of the most gratifying things we can do as human beings, and I strongly encourage you to donate to one of the causes above. Please also visit Kickstarter, Gofundme, and Indiegogo to view more campaigns in and around the New Orleans area that could use a little help. You can also visit Second Harvest Food Bank to volunteer with providing Thanksgiving meals to those who might otherwise go without.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and for also donating and supporting the community! Now, go make me proud and toast to you and your friends for donating over a glass of Pennsylvania Dutch. Chilled. Add nutmeg. #trust