The Bayou Belles Charity Service Organization 501(c)3 (BBCSO, Inc.) is at it again. For the past ten years the members of Bayou Belles have worked to raise awareness, and donations on behalf of children. The average donation is $15,000 to $25,000 annually. The specific charity benefiting each year varies, but the focus is always on issues that negatively affect young children.

Year after year the Bayou Belles organization selects a new “Charity of the Year” to assist. One of the primary ways, Bayou Belles raises funds is through their annual gala. All of the proceeds from the gala are donated directly to the selected charity. The “Charity of the Year” for 2018 is Boysville Emergency Children’s Shelter in San Antonio, Tx. Established in 1943, Boysville is a not-forprofit organization providing a safe family-style environment for children in need. At Boysville Emergency Shelter children often go through a lengthy rehabilitation process where they may receive a combination of both mental and physical therapy due to the abuse they have endured.

“We plan to donate all of the funds to help off-set some of the living expenses, and toward rehabilitation costs for children who were fortunate enough to have been rescued from either an abusive homes or from the trafficking ring,” Angeline Labbé-Auzenne Bayou Belles founder and president said. “Depending on the level of trauma a child has suffered they may need a life-time of therapy to feel whole again. After much research of the Boysville facility they were an easy choice for our BBCSO services due to the length of time they have assisted in this area, and the success rate of their nurturing process.”

With the Boysville’s mission in mind, the Bayou Belles decided the theme for the 2018 gala would be “Pink Threads for Safe Beds”. The gala will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2018 at the Golf Club at Cinco Ranch.

“The attire is pink tie formal,” Angeline said. “For those individuals looking to enjoy an evening with a bit of glam this is the event to attend.Each year our gala guests and VIP supporters arrive to a stunning theme related décor; chef prepared 3-course dinner; guests speaker; entertainment; charity auction; dancing; and a great deal of socializing. This Eighth Annual Charity Gala is truly a party with a purpose.”

Everyone in the community is invited to come out and show their support for the “Charity of the Year” on September 14 at 6:30pm.
“The Bayou Belles members work tirelessly to create a gala that is enjoyable, welcoming and elegant, yet not pretentious,” Angeline said. KSBJ/NGEN Radio’s midday show DJ Coppelia will be the master of ceremonies for the gala. The Bayou Belles are working to secure a past America’s Got Talent contestants for the evening’s entertainment. While the evening will be one to enjoy, the Bayou Belles hope to also bring awareness to the cause they are supporting with their guest speakers for the evening.

“The executive director of Boysville will be in attendance to serve as one of our presenter,” Angeline said. “She will share the details of what they do on a much deeper level, and will also mention the importance of our donation to the work they do on behalf of children.” Tax deductible Sponsorship opportunities are still available for those interested to include company VIP tables, live auction items, and vendor Sponsorships. There are also general admission tickets available for purchase online at www.BayouBelles.org under the events section of the website.

“There are still opportunities for local businesses and/or individuals who are looking for that perfect cause to put their donation dollars towards, to participate on some level on behalf of this amazing event,” Angeline said. “We are in prayer for a few more of these great sponsors who have a heart for children.”

Tax-deductible Sponsorship opportunities are still available for those interested to include company VIP tables, live auction items, and vendor Sponsorships. There are also general admission tickets available for purchase online at www.BayouBelles.org under the events section of the website. “There are still opportunities for local businesses and/or individuals who are looking for that perfect cause to put their donation dollars towards, to participate on some level on behalf of this amazing event,” Angeline said.
“We are in prayer for a few more of these great sponsors who have a heart for children.”

The Bayou Belles started in 2009 as an organization of professional women from Louisiana, but it quickly grew to the respectful not-for-profit 501(c)3 service organization it is today. With a longtime passion for service and being an award winning children’s advocate Angeline envisioned an organization that not only brought women with Cajun/Creole roots together, but that which would also make an impact in the community. The organization took a turn for the greater good when they decided in “2011” to also accept men, teens, and children into the BBCSO, Inc.
This year is the Bayou Belles tenth year of service, and Eighth Charity Gala. Angeline can’t believe all they have been able to accomplish over the years. She said it wouldn’t be possible without the Katy community. “All things GOD.” Angeline gives full credit to the strong faith of the members of BBCSO, Inc.

“What sparked the initial idea for Bayou Belles was the undeniable passion I had for children who are suffering, but what really sustains BBCSO would be our incredibly generous Katy Community,” Angeline said. “It often makes me emotional when I reflect on the fact that my Katy community is allowing me to do what I feel GOD has called me to do.” Year after year, Angeline and the Bayou Belles never know exactly how much money they will successfully raise or who will show up in support of the charity fundraiser. The amazing members and volunteers proceed in faith with creating the best event possible and pray about it.

“Never fails each year the Katy community has continued to show up for the Bayou Belles and most importantly in support of the children we serve,” Angeline said. “The BBCSO members are not celebrities by any means, and we have no powerful representative in our back pocket. Each year the members feel a huge sense of joy and gratefulness that our community when once more they have bought into what we are trying to do for children. The members would like to thank the Katy community, The Sound Connection, KBizz Solutions, Centerra Ranch Montessori School, The O’Connor Family, Cyril Thomas, The Golf Club at Cinco Ranch, and Katy Christian Magazine for allowing us to live out the fire that GOD has placed inside of our volunteer team. We are sincerely thankful for that.”

Last year, the Bayou Belles members were greatly impacted by Hurricane Harvey just like many others in the community. With their event taking place in the latter part of September post Harvey they braced for an uphill climb, however the Katy community still showed up and helped Bayou Belles raise just under $25,000 for the “2017 Charity of the Year.”

“With everything that took place last year it was ridiculous that we were still able to raise that much money,” Angeline said. “We do not know how to cancel any fundraiser for children. We suffered losing our venue one month before our gala, Hurricane Harvey, and a death happened. We refused to not honor our commitment to our “Charity of the Year”, so the members persevered and prayed. The result was a full house!” Angeline said. “We look forward to a great gala this year and hope to raise as much if not more funds for the children at Boysville.”

Learn more about the upcoming Gala at www.BayouBelles.org or by emailing butterfliesses@yahoo.com.