Cash Money Records will host its 20th annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway on Tuesday, November 22.
The iconic New Orleans hip-hop label—founded by brothers Ronald “Slim” Williams and Bryan “Birdman” Williams—has given free turkeys to underprivileged families from their hometown every November since 1996. This year’s giveaway will take place from 10am to 6pm at New Home Full Gospel Ministries (1605 Carondelet St), and will once again feature a variety of services, including a medical area supervised by Ochsner Hospital. Line 4 Line, a community outreach program from the LSU Museum of Art, will also be on-site to give free haircuts to boys ages 2-13 in exchange for reading a book.
“I can’t believe it’s been twenty years since we first started doing this,” says Birdman. “I can vividly remember the very first year. It was the most powerful feeling to uplift the community we call home. It gets better as we go along. God has given us so much, and giving back is the ultimate blessing.”
Turkeys will be provided by Wal MArt, while Sam’s Club will provide vegetables and stuffing. Additionally, Rouses Supermarket will be on hand to offer dry goods and lunch for volunteers, vendors, police and health care professionals.
The turkey giveaway is technically organized by The Johnny and Gladys Williams Foundation, a nonprofit charity named for the Williams brothers’ parents. If last year is any indication, the event will hand out thousands of turkeys to local families in time for Thanksgiving.
“For us, it all comes down to charity,” Ronald ‘Slim’ Williams. “The moment that we had the resources and blessings to give back, we did. 1996 was an important milestone for the label as we received the opportunity to do something good for our city. The giveaway is part of our who we are as a company and a family, and it will be forever. I’m excited for the next twenty years.”