By Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
On Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, the King Cakes & Cocktails fundraiser brought a vibrant crowd to the Krewe of Gemini Den in Bossier City to celebrate Louisiana’s rich culture while supporting Geaux 4 Kids, a nonprofit organization dedicated to aiding the smallest victims of crime and crisis across 64 parishes and 27 counties in the Ark-La-Tex.
The event, which drew 300 to 400 attendees, showcased the spirit of Mardi Gras with a festive atmosphere featuring king cakes, cocktails, and camaraderie. Originating in 2020, King Cakes & Cocktails was designed as both a “friends-raiser” and a fundraising opportunity for the organization.
“The inspiration for this event came from a desire to celebrate our state’s unique culture while bringing people together for a good cause,” said K.C. Kilpatrick Baird, founder and executive director of Geaux 4 Kids. Over the past five years, the fundraiser has grown into a beloved tradition, uniting the community to support programs like Geaux Bags, Geaux Adopt, and Just BeClause.
Since its inception in 2013, Geaux 4 Kids has provided more than 19,000 Geaux Bags to children in need. These bags, filled with essential items, offer immediate comfort and support to children entering foster care or crisis situations.
Funds raised at the event will go directly to these programs, ensuring continued aid for vulnerable children across the region.
Planning for King Cakes & Cocktails is a year-round effort led by a dedicated committee. While the team has streamlined the process since the event’s inception, challenges like coordinating logistics and securing sponsorships remain. “Each year presents new hurdles, but the impact we see makes it all worth it,” said Kilpatrick Baird.
The fundraiser has become an annual event, rotating between venues. Next year’s King Cakes & Cocktails is already scheduled for Jan. 15, 2026, at the Krewe of Centaur Den in Shreveport. Geaux 4 Kids is also preparing for its next major fundraiser, “May the Force Be With You,” a luncheon set for May 2, 2025, at Horseshoe Casino.
Geaux 4 Kids encourages year-round community involvement. Supporters can donate funds to help the organization purchase supplies in bulk, volunteer during scheduled events, and spread awareness about the nonprofit’s mission. Information on how to get involved can be found at www.GeauxBags.org.
For the organizers, King Cakes & Cocktails is more than just a fundraiser. “It’s a fun event that showcases the best of our community’s culture while allowing us to make a real difference,” Kilpatrick Baird shared. “It aligns perfectly with our vision for Geaux 4 Kids by blending celebration with compassion.”
As the evening concluded, attendees left with full hearts and a renewed commitment to supporting children in crisis. The success of this year’s event reaffirms the community’s dedication to ensuring every child in need has access to comfort and care.
