Beignet Fest Foundation awards almost $76,000 in grants to support local autism programs

Written By Alicia Vial

New ORLEANS – On this World Autism Day, the Beignet Fest Foundation, dedicated to celebrating the rich cultural heritage of New Orleans while supporting nonprofit organizations that serve autistic youth and their families, is pleased to announce the distribution of $75,900 in grants to support local autism programs. 

These grants signify the foundation’s ongoing commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals with autism, as well as its dedication to uplifting the vibrant communities of New Orleans.

With the proceeds from the 2023 Beignet Fest, grants are presented to Families Helping Families NOLA, Autism Society of Greater New Orleans, Prism Project (through FHF NOLA), Fish in a Tree, YMCA of Greater New Orleans, Community Sailing New Orleans, Upturn Arts, Excite All Stars, Moving Challenges, Raintree Children & Family Services, Easterseals Louisiana (Chartwell Center) and St. Therese Academy. The funds awarded will be used to support summer camps, adaptive swim lessons, resource coordination, art programs, computing programs for autistic youth, sensory story times and an online support group.

"We are thrilled to be able to award organizations that share our mission of supporting children with autism and their families," said Sherwood Collins, executive director of the Beignet Fest Foundation. "The grants will enable these organizations to continue their invaluable work, providing essential resources, services and support to those on the autism spectrum."

The recipients of the grants were carefully selected based on their demonstrated dedication to improving the lives of neurodiverse individuals in the community. Among the recipients of the grants are organizations that provide a wide range of services and support, including therapeutic interventions, educational programs, family counseling and community outreach initiatives.

“I want to thank the Beignet Fest Foundation for their contribution,” said Gage, a student at the FHF NOLA’s Computing for Youth with Autism program. “Your donation will help people like me to achieve my education and employment goals.”

For more information about the Beignet Fest Foundation and its grant programs, visit beignetfest.com or contact info@beignetfest.com.

Save the date for Beignet Fest, Saturday, Nov. 16 at City Park’s Festival Grounds. Tickets will go on sale this spring. 

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About Beignet Fest Foundation
Beignet Fest is a premier food festival in Louisiana that celebrates one of New Orleans’s most iconic dishes all in one place on one day. Proceeds from Beignet Fest benefit the Beignet Fest Foundation, which raises awareness and support for programs in Greater New Orleans that serve autistic youth and their families.

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Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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