The New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic and Assistance Foundation is expanding its assistance programs to masking Mardi Gras Indians through the Big Chief Bo Dollis Memorial Fund.

Masking Indian is an incredibly laborious and time-consuming process which rarely reaps any physical or monetary reward, other than recognition and esteem.

The recently formed Big Chief Bo Dollis Fund seeks to give something back to the vibrant community that gives so much of itself to the culture of New Orleans.

Proceeds from the fund will go towards helping masking Indians pay for medical bills and health screenings through the Musicians’ Clinic, as well as offsetting the high costs of making the elaborate costumes year after year.

In addition to helping protect the present and future of the Mardi Gras Indian tradition, the fund also looks back and honors the rich legacy of its namesake.

Parading for the first time with the Golden Eagles when he was only 13 years old, Theodore Emile “Bo” Dollis had a profound impact on the trajectory of Mardi Gras Indian tradition and culture.

Dollis was at the forefront of harnessing the intense inter tribal competition of the old days that often resulted in heated violence on parade days and channeling it into peaceful competition that centered around the stunning beauty of the costumes.

Furthermore, Dollis, known since childhood for his beautiful singing voice, led the way in incorporating other styles of music and instrumentation into the songs that accompanied Indian parades.

To donate to the Big Chief Bo Dollis Memorial Fund, call (504) 412-1366 or text (254) 238-4356.