Event Pros Take Action

Message from Dave

Today I have a little bit different type of post -- less of a guest blog, more of a story about what an amazing group of event professionals are getting ready to do. In 2011 this group traveled to New Orleans to help families STILL in need of shelter from Katrina and this year from July 17-20 they will be doing it again. This is the story of why this group donated blood, sweat, tears (of joy) and money in 2011 and why they are doing it again. It's also the story of how you too can become involved in an experience that alters not only the lives of others, but your life too. We here at AOO Events support their efforts and hope you will too.

David Merrell

Owner/Creative Director, AOO Events, Lead designdawg

A Make-Over with a Mission to Give Back

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina ripped through the Gulf Coast, devastating communities and changing lives in an instant.  From the damage, millions of residents were displaced and thousands of homes were destroyed. Six years later, people are still struggling to rebuild their lives and there is still so much to be done to repair these communities. 

  

2011

In spring of 2011, a group of event professionals came together in an unprecedented way to make an impact on communities in need. Founded by Susie Perelman and Stacey Mehalik of Mosaic, Inc., Event Pros Take Action (EPTA) was born, and their first mission took them to New Orleans four months later to help this community rebuild. For three days, a group of event professionals volunteered their time and money to paint, spackle, and dry wall homes that were being rebuilt by New Orleans-based St. Bernard Project. Because of EPTA’s dedication to helping the residents of NOLA, the group set out to make an even bigger impact on this community.  Prior to their arrival, folks in the event industry donated and shipped close to 15,000 products (china, glass, silver, tablecloths, napkins, carpets and more) which eventually found their way to close to 250 homeowners.

In addition, EPTA created a Designing Digs program. Two well-seasoned “Design Angel” event pros, Mark Wells of Hello-Florida and Richard Carbotti of Perfect Surroundings were able to make dreams come true for two special NOLA families. With donations from AFR Event Furnishings, these lucky homeowners received bed sets, sofas, chairs, coffee tables, flat screen TVs and so much more. 

When they arrived in NOLA, EPTA volunteers set to work moving in furniture, laying carpet, hanging pictures and creating dream homes for these families. Their fantastic team worked tirelessly in the rain and sweltering heat to create beautiful, welcoming safe havens for their worthy recipients.  At the end of the mission, EPTA welcomed the Jones and Green family home in style with ribbon-cutting celebrations, complete with confetti cannons and grilled oysters served up NOLA-style, created by local celeb chefs.

Through this process, EPTA has learned that losing a home means more than simply losing a house. A home is a safe haven, a place of comfort and warmth. Rebuilding a home means more than putting up walls. Families need to feel that they finally have a refuge from life’s storms. They need an environment that welcomes them at the end of each and every day. 

2012

EPTA returns to NOLA this July 17-20 to continue its good work. It's joined this year by many new and returning event professionals and will be working with St. Bernard Project to complete the homes of the Rose and Carriere families. Here are two videos of those families:

While their homes are still in the initial stages of the rebuild, EPTA is committed to bringing these families home this summer.  

This year, the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE) will also get into the act. The NACE Experience! will be held in New Orleans and has made provisions for its attendees to pitch in during that time, with a “stay and work” program.

Anchor Sponsors

AFR Event Furnishings not only has also presented EPTA with a check for $20,000 this year, but, as they did in 2011, it has provided all the furnishings for the homes, including tables, chairs, bed sets, sofas and even flatscreen TV’s. Other significant contributions were made in 2011 by Larry Green of Rentals Unlimited, and Mosaic Inc. both of whom are once again donating time and money this year.

2011 - 2012 Donating Companies
(money and product) to date

A-1 Tablecloth

American Turf & Carpet

AFX Pro

Absolute CSI

AOO Events
Backdrops Beautiful
Bourbon Heat
Capital City Club
Event Source
EventWorks
Forte Events
Go West Creative
Hilton Riverside New Orleans
Hospitality Connects

Illusions Rentals & Designs
Intellievent

kool. Party Rentals
Liberty Party Rental

Mecca Communications
O'Mealia Special Events
Panache, a Classic Party Rental Co.
Premier Beverage
R & F Fabrics
Signature Destination Management
Someone's in the Kitchen
Taste Buds
The Event Production Company
The Occasion Palace
Verterra
VHVideo.com
Wilkinson Rhodes

Your name here! 

Thanks to photographer Lexie Cole Photography

Click here for a video about EPTA 

Click here to find out how you can get involved on-site, or donate goods or money


Note: EPTA's room block in NOLA at the Hilton Riverside closes July 1 so if you would like to be an on-site volunteer, make your reservations now for the best rate! Go to www.eventprostakeaction.org for more.