4th annual Bal Masqué Sets Dates
New Orleans, Louisiana—The Link Stryjewski Foundation is pleased to announce its dates for the 2019 charity Bal Masqué. Set for Saturday, January 19th, the Link Stryjewski Bal Masqué will follow a special Chefs' Dinner presented by a “to-be-announced” guest chef on Friday, January 18th. The event celebrates New Orleans' Creole carnival traditions. “Those who know our group well know that we love to throw a good party. Bal Masqué is not the more typically formal Mardi Gras ball or black tie fundraiser.” states Emery Van Hook Sonnier, Link Stryjewski Foundation Director. “We encourage guests to get creative with their masks, headdresses and costumes, for those going all out.”
According to the New Orleans Youth Index, 37% of children in New Orleans live in poverty, and New Orleans continues to suffer from having one of the highest murder rates per capita in the country. “We can do something to change the outcome for these kids,” states Chef Donald Link. “While poverty may hinder their educational process, it does not sentence them to a life of failure. Together we can provide them with opportunity at a pivotal time in their lives to feel the satisfaction of achievement and have a future of full of hope.” The Link Stryjewski Foundation supports and partners with local youth-serving organizations including Kingsley House, YEP (Youth Empowerment Project), The Roots of Music, Son of a Saint and 826 New Orleans. “We are proud to support these organizations,” states Chef Stephen Stryjewski. “Each one of them is committed to strengthening our community and making it a better place for our young people to grow up and learn how to lead successful lives.”
The Link Stryjewski Foundation was created to address the cycles of poverty and violence in New Orleans by investing in high quality education, enrichment, mentoring, and job training opportunities for the City’s youth. The Link Stryjewski Foundation provides financial support and partners with non-profit organizations that directly work to further the Foundation's mission to nourish, educate and empower the youth of New Orleans.