NEW ORLEANS – This November, Parkway Bakery & Tavern is again teaming up with the Al Copeland Foundation (ACF) for its annual fundraiser to support cancer research and innovative treatments. The fundraiser, sponsored by Crystal Hot Sauce, Leidenheimer Baking Co and Blue Plate Mayonnaise, features Parkway’s famous Thanksgiving Poor Boy, available every Wednesday in November. Proceeds from the sale of the sandwich will directly benefit the Al Copeland Foundation.
Local fans looking to make a difference can purchase a $100 “Skip the Line” ticket, offering exclusive access to bypass the crowd from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Along with enjoying the iconic Thanksgiving Poor Boy, ticket holders will receive a commemorative t-shirt, sweet potato fries, a freshly made Arnold Palmer crafted by ACF Junior Board Member Joshua Bertuglia (courtesy of New Orleans Roast), and a Creole Cream Cheese ice cream sandwich from New Orleans Ice Cream. Tickets are available at AlCopelandFoundation.org or in person at Parkway Bakery & Tavern every Wednesday, where the Al Copeland Foundation will be hosting a special tent. Even without a “Skip the Line” ticket, everyone can contribute – a portion of all Thanksgiving Poor Boy sales will go directly to the foundation.
Since 2008, the Al Copeland Foundation (ACF) has rallied support for a remarkable cause, raising over $5.3 million with one unwavering mission: to save lives and end cancer through innovative treatments. In partnership with LSU Health New Orleans, ACF achieved its primary goal of finding a cure for the cancer that claimed Al Copeland Sr.’s life. In 2023, ACF and the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center launched the groundbreaking Virtual Research Nurse Program, which revolutionizes clinical trial enrollment through telehealth. The program received national recognition from the National Cancer Institute, even drawing the attention of First Lady Jill Biden, Senator Bill Cassidy, and Congressman Troy Carter. ACF also established the Al Copeland Foundation Patient Assistance Fund at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans, helping over 65 pediatric oncology families cover non-medical expenses such as rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation during treatment. ACF continues to expand access, awareness, and education on cutting-edge cancer treatments for all ages.
Justin Kennedy, general manager and Head Chef at Parkway Bakery & Tavern, expressed his excitement for this year’s campaign stating, “The support we’re seeing from the community is incredible. We’re truly excited to watch this fundraiser grow every year, and with generous partners like Crystal Hot Sauce, Leidenheimer Baking Co, and Blue Plate Mayonnaise, we can make a bigger impact. New Orleans is all about coming together for a cause, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”
Al Copeland, Jr., president of the Al Copeland Foundation, said, “We’re grateful to Justin and the Parkway team for including the Al Copeland Foundation in their Thanksgiving Poor Boy tradition. Parkway’s dedication helps us continue our mission, and we couldn’t ask for better partners.”
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