TOUCH-A-TRUCK® returns Nov. 15, bringing big machines and bigger smiles to New Orleans

Written By Alicia Vial

Beloved hands-on family event returns with VIP access, sensory-friendly hour and opportunities to support local students

NEW ORLEANS – The Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) is thrilled to announce the return of TOUCH-A-TRUCK®, presented by Ochsner Children’s, Saturday, Nov. 15 at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner. This family-friendly event gives children of all ages a chance to have a hands-on experience with 30 trucks, machines and vehicles that build, serve and protect the Greater New Orleans community.

From helicopters to bulldozers, fire engines to utility trucks, TOUCH-A-TRUCK® lets kids climb, explore and learn about the machines and meet community heroes who keep our city safe and strong. Doors open to all guests at 10 a.m., with VIP early access beginning at 9 a.m. Families can enjoy the event throughout the day, with a special sensory-friendly hour at 2 p.m. designed for children who benefit from reduced noise and lights.

“TOUCH-A-TRUCK® brings joy, wonder and learning to thousands of children and families every year,” said JLNO President Michelle Clarke Payne. “It’s a celebration of community, and it reflects JLNO’s commitment to supporting children and families through education, hands-on experiences and access to opportunities they might not otherwise have.”

Through JLNO’s Hard Hat Helpers program, community members can help open the gates of TOUCH-A-TRUCK® to students from underserved schools. Donations fund Field Trip Friday, giving hundreds of local children the chance to experience the excitement and wonder of the event at no cost—an unforgettable day they might not otherwise have. Families looking to make the day even more special can rev up the fun with a TOUCH-A-TRUCK® Birthday Party, the ultimate celebration for kids who love trucks, machines and adventure.

New this year and powered by Cox Communications, JLNO is raffling a $2,500 Walt Disney World® gift card with custom trip planning by InteleTravel, offering seamless assistance with accommodations, dining, park itineraries, and exclusive Disney extras. Entries are $10 each, and the winner will be drawn live at the TOUCH-A-TRUCK® event at 3 p.m. Winners do not have to be present for the raffle.

TOUCH-A-TRUCK® is made possible thanks to the generous support of presenting sponsor Ochsner Children’s, as well as Cox Communications, American Safety, Raising Cane’s, Manning Family Children's, Louisiana Blue Foundation, Lamar, Sunbelt Rentals, Maritime Partners, and many others.

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About Junior League New Orleans

Junior League of New Orleans is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization committed to advancing women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration and training. More information on the organization can be found at www.jlno.org.

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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