About YALA Gras
A night where music, art, and community parade together in true New Orleans fashion
In Partnership with the New Orleans Jazz Museum
YALA Gras, a jazzy new twist on our annual fundraising event, taking place Thursday, January 29, from 6–9 p.m. at the New Orleans Jazz Museum. This year, we are thrilled to partner with the New Orleans Jazz Museum - a venue that embodies the rhythm, creativity, and cultural legacy that inspire YALA’s mission. As a space that celebrates artistic expression and New Orleans’ rich musical heritage, the Museum is the perfect setting for a night that unites education, art, and community.
The event will also feature a live auction of paintings created during our YALA Art Live fundraiser in the Spring at YALA Art Live. Artwork was created jointly between professional artists and YALA visual art students from Young Audiences Charter School, Lincoln Elementary School for the Arts, and West Jefferson High School.
Each ticket is also a chance to win a piece of jewelry from our Sparkle Sponsor
We proudly honor Marguerite Moisio for her profound commitment to YALA’s mission, her long-standing leadership on our Board of Directors, and her significant contributions to advancing our philanthropic initiatives.
This year’s event is chaired by Dr. Karen Brooks Favorite and Tabitha Manue. A special thank you to the event committee: Stella Del Bianco, Greg Lambousy, Caroline Meehan, and Colin Sternhell.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to enjoy a special live arts auction. Professional artists and local YALA art students collaboratively live-painted the works of art during our YALA Art Live event held in April at partner Urban South Brewery.
A special thank you to our artists: Heather Mattingly and 7th Grader Natalia Collins, Lincoln Elementary School for the Arts; Emre Karaoglu and 11th Grader Amyri Walker, West Jefferson High School; Ceaux and 11th Grader Audrey Watkins, Young Audiences Charter School; and Alison Cline and 11th Grader Sophie Bui, Young Audiences Charter School.
Make an Impact
Become a YALA Gras 2026 Sponsor!
By embracing YALA’s mission of inspiring, engaging, and uniting children and communities through education, arts, and culture, you will contribute to the creative, academic, and holistic lives of 35,000 children throughout southeast Louisiana. Sponsorship of YALA Grasis a great opportunity to showcase your commitment to ensuring quality academic and arts experiences for local learners of all ages. Learn more about our programs and their impact!
Reveler | $500
Join the celebration.
Be part of the fun and support arts education in Southeast Louisiana.
Revelers will receive: Admission for four guests + Four raffle tickets + Press recognition
Second Line Stepper | $1000
Keep the rhythm alive.
Step up your support and lead the second line of arts champions
Second Line Steppers will receive: Admission for six guests + Six raffle tickets + Press recognition
Grand Marshal | $5000
Command the celebration.
Take center stage with top-tier recognition and help YALA lead the way in arts education.
Grand Marshals will receive: Admission for ten guests + Ten raffle tickets + Press Recognition with superior name and logo placement on all print materials, online communications, and event signage
Meet our YALA Gras Sponsors
YALA Gras Impact Sponsors
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact Erin Stover, erin@ya4la.org
The Impact of 64 Years and One Mission.
YALA was founded in December of 1962 with the simple goal of bringing chamber music to New Orleans students and expand access to the arts for all students. Sixty-two years later, we are still working to increase equitable access and student connections to the arts in a variety of ways through multiple art forms.
Funds raised by YALA Gras will benefit the operations of YALA's arts education programs.YALA is Louisiana's leading provider of arts education. They provider in-school, after school, summer, and community programs for children of all ages.