Arc of Greater New Orleans, ArcGNO is a nonprofit that supports people with intellectual disabilities.

In 1953 a group of concerned parents joined forces to provide better lives for their children who, because of developmental delays and intellectual disabilities, were not able to participate in everyday society. At the time, little was known about intellectual disabilities, referred to then as “mental retardation.” It was very common for doctors to counsel parents to place their children in institutions for most of their lives. Emboldened by their collective desire to raise their children in the home and their refusal to accept that institutionalization was the only option, groups around the country organized and implemented at the local level action plans aimed at giving their children fuller lives in the community.

Throughout the year, paid workers in ArcGNO’s Mardi Gras Recycling Center sort and repackage those beads, which are then sold to revelers riding on floats. Like many other organizations and businesses affected by Covid-19, ArcGNO has been impacted. 

However, members of the community are invited to help the organization by joining Copper Vine for dinner to support ArcGNO. On Thursday February 11 (Dinner) and Friday, February 12 (lunch) reservations are available. For $125, you will receive five courses with wine pairings while helping a great cause. To make your reservations, visit coppervine.com.

There are still other ways to help. You can shop their collectibles, beads, costumes and more here.  Volunteer opportunities are also available. To learn more visit arcgno.org.