In its sixth year, this Lafayette boy's cocoa fundraiser has a goal of raising $30,000
When 8-year-old Emile Myers noticed a long line of cars waiting to see a magical Christmas light display on his street, he saw an opportunity to sell hot cocoa for a good cause to the visitors in his Lafayette neighborhood. The rest is history.
That was six years and nearly $65,000 ago.
Each year, Emile, who is now 14, carefully selects a nonprofit to raise money for and the event has grown to a neighborhood celebration with family and friends.
In years past, he has raised money for the following organizations: St. Joseph Diner; Boys & Girls Club of Acadiana; American Cancer Society; Junior League of Lafayette; and most recently Beacon Community Connections.
This year, Emile's annual Hot Cocoa Fundraiser is supporting Catholic Charities of Acadiana and its work to provide emergency sheltering for our neighbor’s experiencing homelessness.
“Because the incredible needs exist our community, I am setting a new goal to aid Catholic Charities of Acadiana,” Emile said. “With your help, this year we will raise $30,000.”
This year’s event is set for 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6. The event includes a food truck, hot cocoa and entertainment that is fun for the whole family. You can find more information on the event's Facebook page.
“The generosity that Emile has fostered in our community reflects the very spirit of dignity and compassion that we strive to uphold every day at Catholic Charities of Acadiana” said Kim Boudreaux, CEO of Catholic Charities of Acadiana. “His efforts are truly making a difference in the lives of our neighbors who find themselves in an experience of homelessness. We are incredibly inspired by Emile’s heart for service; his support allows us to continue providing critical services to those facing homelessness, especially in the wake of our critical shelter funding loss.”
Emile’s event is famous for its commemorative holiday hot cocoa mugs that come with donations to Catholic Charities of Acadiana. The event offers sponsorships and other ways of donating to help Emile reach his goal. The Giving page is now online.