Louisiana Teen Welcomes Music Legend to Fundraiser to Help Homeless

When you think of the people on the front lines fighting to help those experiencing homelessness get assistance, you don't often think there would be a 14-year-old teenager standing on that line in Louisiana, but that is exactly what is happening this year, according to Catholic Charities of Acadiana.

The genesis of this story has its roots years ago when Emile Myers saw the line of cars outside his home lined up to watch an amazing Christmas display by a neighbor at the "Christmas House." It sparked an idea of how he could give back. That's when Myers started selling hot cocoa to people driving by and donating the money to charity.

What this young man has accomplished in the past several years is incredible. He has raised $65,000 for local charities! That's a tremendous feat, but he is by no means done. He will return this year with festivities on Friday, December 6, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. You'll see his cocoa operation on Beverly Drive in Lafayette.

KEEP SCROLLING TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT EMILE

Hundreds of people in Lafayette alone are experiencing homelessness daily.

We caught up with Emile's mom, Carly, to ask her about the beginning of all this. She says,

In 2019, Emile got the bright idea to start selling hot cocoa to the cars waiting in line and donate the money to a local charity. That year, Emile raised $2,000 and donated it to St. Joseph's Diner. Since its inception, the hot cocoa fundraiser has grown each year and has raised over $65,000, all donated to local charities.

Emile's Holiday Cocoa Fundraiser will return this year on Friday, December 6. This time, he will give all the money he raises to Catholic Charities of Acadiana to help those experiencing homelessness.

His mom says there will even be live music! The Coteau Grove Farm Project will be playing along with Louisiana music legend Wayne Toups!

Kim Boudreaux, CEO of Catholic Charities of Acadiana, says this young man is truly inspiring. She says,

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.

You will even see where Emile sells commemorative mugs on the fundraiser page.

How Did Emile Choose the Catholic Charities of Acadiana?

Carly Myers says,

After spending a day with the team at Catholic Charities, Emile made the decision to select them as the beneficiaries of the fundraiser. After seeing the amount of homeless people who benefit from the shelter and diner, he was inspired to help out. He feels that no person should live with food insecurity or sleep without shelter.

Myers says she tributes the fundraiser's growth to Emile's heart. She says he leads with a generous and kind heart, and that has inspired others to get involved and give back to our community. She adds that's the special ingredient in the cocoa!!!!