No, we are not talking about 117 pints of beer on Frenchmen Street. We’re referring to the 117 pints as the total amount of blood donated by 138 generous New Orleanian donors last Wednesday, May 22 during the first annual Frenchmen Street Replenishment Blood Drive hosted by the New Orleans Musicians Clinic and Assistance Foundation (NOMAF). OffBeat Magazine was proud to partner with the NOMAF to help organize and promote the event, which was created in response to the need for replacement blood for “The 19” Mother’s Day parade shooting victims and the lack of a stand-alone blood donation center within the city limits.

OffBeat staffers joined over 138 donors and volunteers on May 22 at the Frenchmen Street Arts Market to give blood or volunteer time. Generous community members relaxed patiently in the eclectic “waiting area” of the Frenchmen Art Market area created by NOMAF and its sponsors until they were called into the Blood Center’s pop-up blood donation centers. Funky light-up furniture, original artwork and fresh local food was  provided. Several local musicians such as the Washboard Chaz Trio, Carl LeBlanc, Roselyn & David and more performed throughout the afternoon and evening on the waiting lounge “stage,” as well as in the adjacent music clubs, the Spotted Cat and d.b.a. Healthy fruits and vegetables were provided for donors by George’s Produce—a local company founded 13 years ago by former Zulu king, George Lafargue Jr. and his wife, Chanel. The company was designed to give new life to his family’s ancestral farming tradition and encourage healthy eating among fellow New Orleanians.

Motherly love warmed the check-in booths where Mardi Gras Indian Queens Rita (Wild Magnolias) and Reesie (Guardians of The Flame Institute) welcomed donors, neighbors and visitors alike. The drive was a gathering of familiar faces and musical friends. The Original Big 7 Social Aid & Pleasure Club president, Ed Buckner, was also in attendance to meet donors, thankful for the overwhelming support for his community organization, whose annual second line was tragically disturbed on Mother’s Day.

View OffBeat‘s blood drive event photo set by Sierra Hudson here.

NOMAF coordinator Erica Dudas reported that the original goal of 50 pints of blood set for the drive was met within the first two hours of the event. Dudas stated that “the result was a larger statement about community resilience, connection and positive response in the wake of tragedy.” The New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic also enrolled more than 30 new patients from the crowd of hundreds who came out in support.

Moreover, Dudas added: “By doing the event in the music district of Frenchmen Street, seven blocks away from where the violence on Mothers’ Day occurred, we’re sending a message to the world – New Orleans’ culture is strong and we’ll always be here to do the right thing.”  NOMAF intends to make this blood drive an annual event so that the local blood bank maintains stock for local musicians and other residents that may be in need.

If you were not able to attend the May 22 blood drive, but would still like to support the program, donations may be made via NOMAF  here (indicate “Blood Drive”) or can be made directly to the Blood Center here.

 

Very special thanks to all of the 2013 Frenchmen Street Blood Drive sponsors:

New Orleans Musicians Clinic & Assistance Foundation
The Blood Center
The City of New Orleans
Fox Holdings, LLC
OffBeat Magazine
Original Big 7 Social Aid and Pleasure Club
WWOZ FM
Marc Pagani Photography
DBA New Orleans
Spotted Cat Music Club
New Orleans Jazz Celebration
Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro
Melange
Vieux Carre Property Owners, Residents and Associates
The Gambit Weekly
Dat Dog
The Fresh Market
George’s Produce
Tyler’s Pride Produce
The Praline Connection
Fiyawerx Productions
St. Anna’s Episcopal Church