Emile’s Annual Hot Cocoa Fundraiser Benefits Catholic Charities of Acadiana Emergency Shelter

(Lafayette, La.) - Emile's Annual Hot Cocoa Fundraiser is supporting Catholic Charities of Acadiana and their work to provide emergency sheltering for our neighbor’s experiencing homelessness. This year’s event is set for December 6, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

When Emile Myers noticed a long line of cars waiting to see a magical Christmas light display on his street, he saw an opportunity to sell hot cocoa for a good cause to the visitors in his Lafayette neighborhood. The rest is history.

This year, he's raising critical support for the shelters of Catholic Charities of Acadiana. Support him and the sheltering work of Catholic Charities of Acadiana by donating to help him meet or exceed his goal of raising $30,000 for this worthy cause.

“Because the incredible needs exist our community, I am setting a new goal to aid Catholic Charities of Acadiana,” said Emile. “With your help, this year we will raise $30,000. Please follow our Facebook so you can get regular updates about a big event on December 6th.”

Almost six years and nearly $65,000 that’s how long 14-year-old Emile Myers has been selling hot cocoa — but as you can probably guess by the amount, it's not your typical roadside stand. For each of those years, the teen carefully selects a nonprofit to raise money for and the event has grown to a neighborhood celebration with family and friends.

In years past, he has raised money for the following organizations: St. Joseph Diner; Boys & Girls Club of Acadiana; American Cancer Society; Junior League of Lafayette; and most recently Beacon Community Connections.

“The generosity that Emile has fostered in our community reflects the very spirit of dignity and compassion that we strive to uphold every day at Catholic Charities of Acadiana” said Kim Boudreaux, CEO of Catholic Charities of Acadiana. “His efforts are truly making a difference in the lives of our neighbors who find themselves in an experience of homelessness. We are incredibly inspired by Emile’s heart for service; his support allows us to continue providing critical services to those facing homelessness, especially in the wake of our critical shelter funding loss.”

Emile’s event is famous for its commemorative holiday hot cocoa mugs that come with donations to Catholic Charities of Acadiana. The event offers sponsorships and other ways of donating to help Emile reach his goal. The Giving page is now online: http://give.classy.org/EmilesHotCocoa.

Sponsorships are another way that Emile’s meets his ambitious goal. For more information about sponsorships, contact Ben Broussard, ben@catholiccharitiesacadiana.org.

About Emile’s 2024 Hot Cocoa Event

Emily Myer’s Hot Cocoa events sell hot cocoa for a good cause to the visitors in his Lafayette neighborhood. The event includes a food truck, hot cocoa and entertainment that is fun for the whole family. This young entrepreneur is a shining example that philanthropy is for everyone no matter the age. Click herefor Emile’s Hot Cocoa Facebook event page. 

About Catholic Charities of Acadiana

Since 1973, Catholic Charities of Acadiana has provided essential services to those who are experiencing hunger, homelessness, poverty, and situational crisis. From our humble beginnings in 1973 to becoming a beacon of hope for countless individuals, families, and communities, Catholic Charities of Acadiana has worked for 50+ years to honor the sacred gift of all human life, especially the most vulnerable.

Joe Caverlee Joins Coteau Grove Project, LLC as the Band’s Official Producer

LAFAYETTE, La., October 22 — Coteau Grove Project, LLC (“Coteau Grove”) is proud to welcome American multi-instrumentalist and singer / songwriter Joe Caverlee to the team. Joe will assume the role of producer for Coteau Grove and use his extensive knowledge and experience in the music industry to leverage the band’s expertise and professional connections. Joe supports Coteau Grove’s mission to give back to charities and is looking forward to making a difference in their communities.

Joe Caverlee stated, “I've had the pleasure of knowing the good folks in Coteau Grove for quite some time now. I've also sat in with them on several occasions which was an absolute blast. From classic rock to classic country…from R&B to "down in the crawfish mud" cajun music, this band has it covered. I was honored when they asked me to produce their upcoming EP. We are in the process of searching for songs to compliment their many talents including musicianship and tight vocal harmonies. It's a long process, but I assure you it will be worth the wait and the end result will be a project we all will be proud of.”

Grammy Award-winning, singer / songwriter, Wayne Toups, also commented, “I have been asked by my friend Keith Myers to be a special guest in the Coteau Grove Project for some very special shows. His vision has come full circle in wanting to help nonprofit organizations. And now he has added a good friend and exceptional musician, Joe Caverlee, as a producer which will definitely bring the project to another level. I am so honored to be a part of it and looking forward to the future.”

Joe started out playing guitar and piano as a small child with his family in Dayton, Ohio, but the two instruments quickly took a back seat when he discovered a violin in his grandma’s attic. After beginning classical lessons at age 10, he soon learned it was the right choice. By age 13, he was playing with a bluegrass band that toured weekends around the Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana areas. Even though he continued his classical training through high school and college, the live music scene was where Joe wanted to be. Eventually, he ended up in Nashville. Joe found steady work playing fiddle and acoustic with Ronna Reeves on the road and shortly after was hired on by Ken Mellons to play fiddle and mandolin. In the late 90’s he teamed up with the Ohio based group Yankee Grey and signed a record deal with Sony/Monument. After brief success and an ACM vocal group of the year nomination they disbanded. He then started playing fiddle and mandolin with country great Tracy Lawrence where he is still today and is currently Tracy’s band leader. Joe has featured on many well-known songs with artists such as Tracy Lawrence, Yankee Grey, David Ball, Billy Ray Cyrus, Daryl Singletary, Love and Theft, The Bellamy Brothers, Michael Peterson and The Christmas Grass, and more.

About Coteau Grove Project

Coteau Grove Project provides tight, lively music, great vocals, and mesmerizing harmonies and is unique in its mission of supporting nonprofit organizations. The band was born from some things that the members all have in common, a love for music and a desire to help people. Coteau Grove Project is made up of Chris Foreman, Larry Menard, Charlie Rees, David Varisco, Sharona Thomas, and Keith Myers.

To learn more about Coteau Grove Project or to book, visit https://www.coteaugrove.com/

For media inquiries, please contact: coteaugroveband@gmail.com