New Orleans businessman gives "Hope for 2morrow"

NEW ORLEANS, LA (WVUE) - Larry Morrow isn't your average party promoter, his events, often studded bring something different to the New Orleans community, this past weekend's gala--hope.

"We've been doing parties for like five years, and we wanted to create more than just a party... a party with a purpose," Morrow said.

Dozens of people gathered Saturday at the New Orleans Jazz Market for 'Hope for 2morrow". The event benefited "Blessed 26", a local mentoring organization whose programming aims to create better opportunities for at-risk youth.

"Each year we're going to be partnering with a different local nonprofit to help them continue to do what they do each year," Morrow said.  "The reason we're partnering Blessed 26 was because (it) really exemplifies what it is to give hope for tomorrow."

One of Blessed 26's programs called the "Board Room" takes about 120 male participants and teaches them how to analyze and manage real life situations by dissecting coverage other of popular media;  how to develop a healthy lifestyle; and taught skills in entrepreneurship. After that, participants are eligible for "Suited for Sucess". It's program where about 30 participants get the opportunity to receive $500.00 in business attire funded by individual sponsorships.

The organizations founder, Kendal Francis was more than excited to be recognized.

"All I can say is that this is new. I've been operating  since 2004 and to have someone think enough of me to make me the beneficiary of this... This is just like DUDE!" Francis said, "Our kids aren't bad but they're in bad situations and they're too young to understand on how to comprehend and deal with the situation and that's why some of them go left. If you love them enough, they will turn around they will do want needs to be done. Our young people are so resilient.. I set out to teach but I've learned so much."

The gala started off with the sounds of locals artists including: Kevin Stylez, T-Ray the Violinist, and Grammy Award winning songwriter, PJ Morton, and the night capped off with a performance from New Orleans' own trumpeter Kermit Ruffins.

Fox Sports sideline reporter, Jen Hale was a host of the event.

"You know I think a lot of youth don't think they have a future, at least not a bright one. They don't see all the possibilities and opportunities right out in front of them," Hale said.  And that's our job as adults to help bring that do them so that they can embrace it and say one know what. I can be anything I want to be and it's our job to provide the support to do that to help boost them up and give them a fair shot in life."

Arizona Cardinals defensive back and New Orleans-native Tyrann Mathieu was a special  guest of the event.

"It's important to support people that's doing postie things. Me and Larry we go way back we went to High School together at one point. I'm really excited about the different things he's doing. The different communities he's reaching out to," Mathieu said.

Already Morrow has big plans for "Hope for 2morrow" next year.

"Yes! Next year I want to make it much bigger, of course have bigger acts, make it more formal, take the dress code up a notch, and create something different for the city," Morrow said.  "Something real sexy, like a real gala like the MET gala , a New Orleans gala. and we all come together for a good cause.

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